Cycling Canada Bans Time Trial Bikes for Juniors at 2025 Road Nationals
January 16, 2025 – Ottawa, Canada
In a move aimed at improving fairness, accessibility, and safety, Cycling Canada has announced that junior and under-17 riders will no longer be permitted to use time trial (TT) bikes at the 2025 Canadian Road National Championships. The decision, which takes effect this year, prohibits TT-specific equipment—including aerodynamic extension bars and disc wheels—for young competitors.
Instead, juniors and U17 riders will be required to compete on standard road bikes, with only one bike frame permitted per athlete during the event. Cycling Canada says the change is designed to create a more level playing field, allowing results to reflect athletic ability rather than financial access to expensive gear.
“This initiative promotes consistency, fairness, and accessibility,” Cycling Canada stated. “We believe this step will help increase participation, improve talent identification, and reduce logistical and financial burdens on families.”
Beyond fairness, the decision also touches on safety. TT bikes are designed for aerodynamics and speed, but they’re often difficult to handle—especially for less-experienced riders. By standardizing equipment, Cycling Canada hopes to reduce crashes and improve racing conditions for youth athletes.
This policy follows a growing trend in North American junior cycling, with several stage races already enforcing similar rules. Advocates believe it’s a smart shift in a sport where rising costs and technical barriers have created inequities at the developmental level.
For many in the cycling community, this marks a welcome change—one that places skill, safety, and accessibility at the heart of youth competition.
