The UCI approves the use of this hydration monitor

The UCI has a rule that prohibits the use of devices that capture and detect metabolic data during competition, as cyclist Kristen Faulkner knows well. Two years ago, she was disqualified from the Strade Bianche for using a glucose sensor. Something that is now going to change with a small addition to the UCI regulations.

The sensor that tells you when to drink arrives in competition

Until now, the use of all these sensors was prohibited in competition according to rule 1.3.006 bis, which says "devices that capture other physiological data, including metabolic values such as glucose or lactate, are not authorized in competition."

However, now we find fine print just above the paragraph quoted earlier that differentiates sensors and allows some: "devices that capture or transmit the following physiological data are authorized: heart rate, body temperature, sweat rate."

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Among the sensors that are allowed in competition would be the Nix Pro hydration monitor, a device that is based on an adhesive patch placed on the skin that collects sweat. It is connected to a small device that measures sweat accumulation and calculates the cyclist's hydration level, transmitting this data to its own app and also to the cyclist's bike computer, as the cyclists of EF Education-EasyPost know well who use Nix monitors.

This allows determining whether to drink more or less during the competition depending on whether the sweating is greater or lesser, allowing you to anticipate what reduces the risk of the cyclist suffering dehydration that could affect their performance in a particular race.

This sensor is added to other types of sensors that are becoming popular in the peloton and that would also be allowed for use in competition. We are talking about temperature sensors like the CORE 2 that several World Tour teams use, including Tadej Pogacar's own team.

Obviously, the question arises as to why some sensors are authorized and others are not, something that the UCI rule does not shed any light on or establish any motivation for. Measurements like glucose mentioned or those being investigated to have real-time blood lactate data will continue to be banned in an era where voices are still calling for the prohibition of power meters in competition, for example.