FFC ban casts doubt over use of disc brakes in La Marmotte and L'Etape du Tour

A decision by the French cycling federation (FFC) to ban the use of disc brakes may mean that riders in French sportives can no longer use bicycles equipped with discs. The move potentially affects hugely popular sportives including L'Etape du Tour and La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes, both of which operate under FFC regulations.

In a statement published on its website, the FFC announced:

"Following the decision of the UCI of 14 April 2016, the Federal Bureau decided at its meeting on 14 April 2016 to forbid the use of disc brakes on all road events organised under the umbrella of the FFC."

Illegal technology? Disc brakes could now be banned at French sportives.

The FFC ban comes in the wake of the UCI's suspension of disc brake use in the pro peloton - a move prompted by Fran Ventoso's accident during Paris-Roubaix. The Movistar rider suffered a deep gash to his leg which he claimed was caused by a disc brake. While there is no conclusive evidence to support Ventoso's assertion, both the UCI and now the FFC have moved quickly to halt the use of disc brakes.

A ban on disc brakes at major French sportives would likely affect many hundred of riders who have already signed up for bucket-list challenges like L'Etape du Tour and La Marmotte. The organisers of both those sportives have yet to confirm that the FFC ban will apply on this year's events, but Sportive.com is seeking clarification and we will bring news as soon as an official statement is issued.

One sportive that will definitely be affected is the Ariegoise, whose organisers have confirmed that disc brakes are now banned.

A statement on the Pyrenean sportive's website reads: "The Executive Office of L'Ariégeoise Cyclosportive will not allow the participation in his event at the cyclists equipped with disc brakes."

Update - Thursday 21 April

Top Club France, organisers of the Marmotte Granfondo Series, have today responded to our request for clarification on the use of disc brakes in La Marmotte. The Marmotte is covered by FFC insurance and as such the organisers are obliged to implement the new rule on disc brakes.

However, discussions are currently in progress to find a solution that will satisfy both insurance requirements and those entrants who wish to use bicycles equipped with disc brakes.

A decision on whether cyclists will be allowed to use disc brakes will be announced on the Marmotte website next week.