The UCI is set to implement a significant adjustment to the ‘three-kilometre rule’ starting January 1, 2025, impacting stage race regulations. As of this date, riders who crash alone within the last three kilometres of a flat stage will no longer automatically receive the same time as the group they were riding with.

Under the current rule, any rider who suffers a crash, puncture, or mechanical issue within the final three kilometres is awarded the same finish time as their group. However, from 2025, the new rule will only apply to punctures or mechanical issues, while lone crashes will result in the rider being timed based on when they cross the finish line.

This change is aimed at preventing situations like the one involving Primož Roglič during stage 11 of the 2024 Tour de France. Roglič crashed alone while chasing with Remco Evenepoel and was awarded the same time as the Belgian, leading to controversy.

To ensure fair implementation, the UCI has mandated that race organisers install equipment at the three-kilometre marker to record rider numbers. This adjustment will only apply to flat stages and does not affect summit finishes.

The UCI has yet to confirm if recent trials, such as extending the rule to four or five kilometres in races like the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, will be made permanent. Additionally, there remains some ambiguity around incidents like punctures causing crashes, which may still allow riders to benefit from the old rule.

This modification reinforces the UCI’s efforts to improve race safety and fairness, while also reducing the potential for controversy in time-based awards due to crashes late in races.