Crazy UCI Decision on Electronic Gears

What a bizarre decision to come out of the UCI headquarters today:
In all pro races from now there will be time penalties on riders using electronic gears, viz.:
• Time trials <30KM…..40 secs.
• Time trials >30KM…..50 secs.
• Road stages <90KM…..30 secs.
• Road stages >90KM…..40 secs.
• Mountain stages comprising mainly Cats 2 – 4…..20 secs.
• Mountain stages comprising mainly Cats 1 – HC…..10 secs.
I can just about see where they are coming from on TTs as there is a slight advantage on speedier gear changes, but on long road and mountain stages surely any advantage of quicker gear changes is counterbalanced by the increased weight of the electronic set-ups (not to mention their reliability issues!).
Just when we thought there was new hope with the management changes, this comes along. Or are they trying to penalise the wealthier outfits?

Or is it just an April Fools joke?   

Yes folks-it's a Lirpa Loof!

Interesting subject though. I can't make my mind up whether to change to these things. Those who have them defend them (but they are not going to admit to wasting so much money are they?) but most chaps I know say don't touch 'em with the proverbial-expensive, heavy, repairs expensive (if you can find a willing mechanic), subject to interference, rain and mud....

What's the feeling out there?

Those who have them defend them (but they are not going to admit to wasting so much money are they?) but most chaps I know say don't touch 'em with the proverbial-expensive, heavy, repairs expensive

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Naveed