SRAM LLC v. Union Cycliste Internationale

Analysis Group Vice President Cyril Hariton was retained by Norton Rose Fulbright on behalf of SRAM, a manufacturer of cycling transmission systems, in a competition complaint filed against Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) in connection with UCI’s maximum gearing technical standard. The matter concerned UCI’s Maximum Gear Ratio Test Protocol, which would have limited the maximum gear ratio allowed in certain professional road cycling events. SRAM challenged the protocol before the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA), arguing that the rulemaking process was not transparent, objective, or non-discriminatory, and that the protocol would disproportionately affect SRAM and professional teams using SRAM drivetrain systems.

Dr. Hariton supported SRAM before the BCA, assessing the competition economics issues at and available safety-related statistical data. He also demonstrated that there was no convincing quantitative evidence capable of supporting UCI’s standard.

The BCA imposed interim measures suspending implementation of the protocol. Subsequently, the Brussels Court of Appeal (Markets Court) dismissed UCI’s appeal in full and affirmed the BCA’s decision. The Markets Court confirmed that the BCA had validly concluded, on a prima facie basis, that the protocol raised competition concerns due to shortcomings in transparency, objectivity, and non-discrimination. The court also found that UCI had not justified why the protocol was necessary and proportionate to advance rider safety, and that the BCA had properly assessed the risk of serious, immediate, and difficult-to-repair harm to SRAM and teams using SRAM transmission systems.