Why the UCI allowing 32in wheels in XCO World Cup racing is so significant
November 20, 2025
The UCI has stated 32in wheels will not be banned at mountain bike XCO World Cups, citing the value of product development and innovation that arises from mountain bike racing.
First reported by Mountain Bike Action Magazine, and then by Escape Collective, the UCI’s Fabrice Tiano – the governing body’s communications and media relations senior manager – states that: “The mountain bike commission always considered mountain bikes as the laboratory of cycling with very limited rules regarding equipment. That is the reason why 32-inch wheels will not be banned in mountain bikes.” bikeradar
