The UCI, has confirmed that hydrualic disc brakes will make their first appearance in the professional peloton this year under an experimental programme announced today by cycling governing body the UCI and the World Federation of Sporting Goods Industries (WFSGI) ahead of an anticipated full roll-out in 2017.

That schedule tallies with road.cc's exclusive report last month detailing discussions between the UCI and the WFSGI.

"The aim is to eventually introduce disc brakes to all levels of road cycling," the two organisations said in a joint statement

The process will start during August and September of this year when all teams will be able to use bikes with disc brakes during two events.

Testing will continue in 2016 at all events on the UCI professional road calendar and, if the experience is satisfactory, disc brakes will be officially introduced to the UCI WorldTour in 2017.

UCI president Brian Cookson said: “Although disc brakes have been used for around a decade in mountain biking and for the last two years in cyclo-cross, their introduction to road cycling must be carefully studied in collaboration with all those who are directly concerned.

"That includes riders, teams and manufacturers. This step is part of the UCI’s desire to encourage innovation in order to ensure cycling is even more attractive for spectators, riders, bike users and broadcasters.”

WFSGI Secretary General Robbert de Kock said: “The industry is delighted by this news and also thanks the UCI for the very positive collaboration.

"This decision will further develop innovation and create new possibilities for the bicycle industry as well as additional performance for the riders.

"There is still some fine tuning to do on detailed requirements for the procedure, but it is very exciting to finally have reached this decision.

"The remaining open topics such as neutral race support or the UCI and Teams protocol will be tackled soon,”