Norton Rose Fulbright secures interim antitrust victory for SRAM against UCI

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has secured a preliminary victory for SRAM, a leading global manufacturer of high-end cycling components, in ongoing antitrust proceedings before the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) against the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

The case concerns SRAM’s challenge to the Maximum Gearing Protocol, a technical standard imposed by UCI that would have limited the maximum distance travelled per pedal stroke. The protocol specifically targeted SRAM’s flagship Red AXS drivetrain by requiring the lock-out of its smallest, 10-tooth cog – despite no evidence suggesting safety concerns.

In a significant preliminary ruling on 9 October, the BCA imposed emergency measures requiring UCI to suspend the protocol just in time for its debut at the Tour of Guangxi on 14–19 October.

The BCA found that UCI had failed to follow an objective, transparent and non-discriminatory process, and that the protocol unfairly prejudiced SRAM and its affiliated teams. SRAM’s challenge received strong support from nine pro cycling teams, seven of which took an active part at the BCA hearing to voice their concerns.

While the interim decision does not determine the final outcome of the broader antitrust proceedings, it sends a clear message that international sports federations are subject to competition law and must uphold the same standards as other industry bodies when setting technical regulations that impact competitive dynamics.

The Norton Rose Fulbright team advising SRAM was led by Brussels-based partner Yves Botteman, with assistance from partner Jean-Nicolas Maillard, counsel Mai Muto, senior associates Katarzyna Berestecka and Paul Henrion, and associates Lisa Sopena and Julien Haverals and Angelos Vlazakis. Further support was provided by Norton Rose Fulbright Digital Solutions Manager Kavin Selvan and Economist Cyril Hariton (Analysis Group).

Yves commented:

“This preliminary ruling marks a significant moment for competition law in sport. It reinforces the principle that international federations must respect the fundamental principles of transparency and non-discrimination when adopting technical standards that impact competitive dynamics. We are proud to have supported SRAM in securing this outcome.”

Norton Rose Fulbright’s Brussels antitrust and competition practice provides a one-stop legal service for national and cross-border investigations into anti-competitive practices, including cartel activity and civil litigation, as well as merger filings and clearances.

The firm’s global antitrust and competition practice includes more than 150 lawyers who advise on all aspects of antitrust law, ranging from multinational mergers and clearances to antitrust litigation, cartels, abuse of dominance, international investigations and compliance. Its antitrust litigation team forms a core part of the practice and consists of more than 40 dedicated lawyers with experience across well-established and emerging centres for antitrust litigation.