"UCI's Last-Minute Ban on Ekoi Pedals Sends Riders Scrambling for Alternatives"

The UCI banned the use of prototype Ekoi pedals just before Stage 2 of the Étoile de Bessèges, leaving riders and mechanics of the Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur team scrambling for new shoes. The oversized pedals, designed for use with Ekoi’s own shoes, caused a last-minute panic as riders had to quickly find compatible footwear, with some resorting to borrowing or buying second-hand shoes. The reason for the late ban is unclear, but all riders managed to find replacements and start the race. The controversy has raised questions about the performance claims of the Ekoi pedals, which offer an 8 Watt saving, and no statement has been issued by the UCI regarding the ban.