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The eagerly awaited introduction of disc brakes to pro road riding was suspended earlier this month after injuries sustained by Movistar team rider Francisco Ventuso at Paris-Roubaix.
Now rider representative Cyclistes Professionnels Associés (CPA) has said it raised concerns about the trials before the accident, but the UCI continued the tests without taking into account "the numerous red flags".
The CPA went further and blamed pressure from bike brands on riders to publicly be in favour of the tests: "It is undeniable that many riders were officially in favor of this technical innovation, but the CPA believed it was necessary to make an anonymous survey to know their real views, without pressure from sponsors (bicycle manufacturers) and teams."
The CPA said that "too often the rider comments are heard after the accident has already happened".
Other concerns over neutral wheels service and insurance were raised, the CPA added.
"The CPA never wanted to oppose the technological progress, but gave always the maximum attention to the safety of the riders and their right to express their views on the issue.
"The CPA wishes once again to work with all the cycling stakeholders for the development in all areas of our sport but on one condition: the riders’ SAFETY."
