Aerodynamic patents become new Olympic battleground

British Cycling considers legal action which could bar French and Japanese bikes from competition

- Joe Baker

British Cycling is considering taking legal action over potential patent infringements from the new bikes of the Japanese and French cycling teams. The potential infringements are in relation to the ultra-wide fork and seat stays that British Cycling first used on the Hope x Lotus bikes unveiled ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. At the 2023 Glasgow World Championships, French and Japanese track riders were seen using bikes with similar characteristics.

British Cycling told Cycling Weekly that they are aware of potential patent infringements. When asked if legal action is likely to be taken, head of performance Stephen Park said: “There might well be.”

Crucially, the homologation deadline for new equipment to be used in competition ahead of Paris 2024 has now passed, which means any successful legal challenge could see the French and Japanese teams using old tech on the sport's biggest stage.