Quote Originally Posted by Westy_3 View Post
(d) The handlebar ends shall be solidly plugged and
attachments thereto shall be fashioned in such a way as to
minimize danger without impairing steering. Handlebars used
for steering with ends, features, or attachments that extend
forward or upward or that provide support for other than the
rider's hands are permitted only in time trial and pursuit
events (not in Team Sprint); however, attachments that point
upward on the brakehoods of road bicycles are allowed if the
distance between them is greater than 25 cm (9.8 inches).
I've been racing for long time, and I've never came across this rule. I use Ergon barends myself, but I race unsanctioned endurance races. If anyone felt this was in error, someone should have asked to see where it says this in the rules book. From what the rule says, it appears that he was supposed to check to see if barends were secure, but instead banned them. I'm not an official though so who knows. That' s just how I interpreted the rule. Could contact USAC and ask them: http://www.usacycling.org/usa-cyclin...-directory.htm. If barends are allowed, you could ask them to correct this official so it doesn't happen again. Could just be an innocent mistake.