The UCI, which has banned the so-called "super tuck" position, is likely to further anger riders in the professional peloton with a series of new rules and penalties, including a ban on the aerodynamic position, in which riders place their forearms on the bar, commonly used in breakaways.

In updating the UCI rules (opens in new tab), the sport's governing body also confirmed that riders who inadvertently or dangerously throw objects such as videotapes or trash outside the new dumping zone may be fined, have their ranking points deducted, or be penalized for time The committee confirmed that there is a possibility of a fine, ranking point deduction, or time penalty.

In stage races, the first violation of throwing trash will be 30 seconds, the second violation will be 2 minutes, and the third violation will result in disqualification.

The new rules will go into effect on April 1.

Riders have complained bitterly in recent days about the ban on the "super tuck" position, and are likely to push back against penalties for littering and using the aerobar position.

Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) used this position during a solo attack on stage 3 of Etoile de Besseges and managed to make enough time to take the overall win.

The UCI announced the prohibition of the "super tuck" position last Thursday and updated its rules on Monday: "Riders must observe the standard position as defined in 1.3.008. Sitting on the top tube of the bicycle is prohibited. Furthermore, the use of the forearm as a fulcrum for the handlebar is prohibited, except in time trials."

The rules also state.

Article 1.3.008 states: "The rider shall normally assume a seated position on the bicycle. In this position, the rider's feet shall be on the pedals, his hands on the handlebars, and his seat on the saddle as his only support.

Belgian veteran rider Iljo Keisse of Deceuninck-QuickStep was one of the first riders to react to the new rules regarding position, tweeting: "We decide how we cycle and how we descend. The UCI should first make sure everything is done properly within their responsibility ......."

Athletes have traditionally thrown empty bidons at fans, left the peloton, or dropped trash after eating food or gels. In recent years, however, littering has been criticized, and some players put trash in their pockets out of concern for the environment.

Race organizers now have to increase the number of litter zones, with litter zones "every 30-40 km throughout the entire event or stage route" and eventually a litter zone near the finish.

The UCI also strengthened the rules regarding roadside barriers in the updated document, specifying that "zones at least 300 meters before and 100 meters after the finish line must be protected by barriers."

After Fabio Jacobsen suffered a horrific crash at the 2020 Tour de Pollogne, riders called for improved barriers and better safety measures.

Last week, the UCI announced that the UCI will develop standard regulations in 2022, in consultation with stakeholders, for roadside barriers at race finishes.

The UCI currently prohibits the use of lightweight, plastic barriers, and the newly created Event Safety Manager must "pay special attention to the final section of the race route, especially the last 100m before the finish, to ensure that safety conditions are followed confirms. This is especially important for events that are likely to finish in a bunch sprint.