UCI Bans Ekoi's New Road Pedals, Riders Scramble for Alternatives

The UCI has reportedly outlawed the new PW8 pedals from French brand Ekoi, featuring a radical design and claimed 8-watt saving, after they were used by the Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur team at the Etoile de Bessèges stage race. The decision led to a chaotic situation as riders scrambled for replacement pedals and shoes, with the team reportedly seeking help from rival teams and even purchasing shoes from a pop-up retail stand. The reason for the UCI's action is unclear, but it's possible that there was an administrative shortcoming rather than a rejection of the pedal design itself.