"Norton Rose Fulbright Secures Preliminary Victory for SRAM in Antitrust Case Against UCI"

"Norton Rose Fulbright has achieved a preliminary victory for SRAM in antitrust proceedings against the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) regarding the Maximum Gearing Protocol, which unfairly targeted SRAM's Red AXS drivetrain. The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) ruled on October 9 that UCI must suspend the protocol, finding it lacked an objective and transparent process, and that it prejudiced SRAM and its teams. This ruling emphasizes that international sports federations must adhere to competition law standards."

**Law Firms Involved:** Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright represented SRAM, a leading global manufacturer of high-end cycling components, in antitrust proceedings against the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). **Transaction Overview:** The case revolves around SRAM's challenge to the Maximum Gearing Protocol imposed by UCI, which aimed to limit the maximum distance traveled per pedal stroke and specifically targeted SRAM’s flagship Red AXS drivetrain. On 9 October, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) issued a preliminary ruling requiring UCI to suspend the protocol, finding that UCI had not followed an objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory process, thereby unfairly prejudicing SRAM and its affiliated teams. This ruling was significant as it underscored the applicability of competition law to international sports federations. **Legal Team:** The Norton Rose Fulbright team advising SRAM was led by: - Yves Botteman (Partner, Brussels) - Jean-Nicolas Maillard (Partner) - Mai Muto (Counsel) - Katarzyna Berestecka (Senior Associate) - Paul Henrion (Senior Associate) - Lisa Sopena (Associate) - Julien Haverals (Associate) - Angelos Vlazakis (Associate) Additional support was provided by: - Kavin Selvan (Digital Solutions Manager) - Cyril Hariton (Economist, Analysis Group)

"Norton Rose Fulbright Secures Preliminary Victory for SRAM in Antitrust Case Against UCI"

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