diff --git a/07-routing-gossip.md b/07-routing-gossip.md
index b4ebe7d..b341dd8 100644
--- a/07-routing-gossip.md
+++ b/07-routing-gossip.md
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ To support channel and node discovery, three *gossip messages* are supported:
   * [The `node_announcement` Message](#the-node_announcement-message)
   * [The `channel_update` Message](#the-channel_update-message)
   * [Query Messages](#query-messages)
-  * [Initial Sync](#initial-sync)
   * [Rebroadcasting](#rebroadcasting)
   * [HTLC Fees](#htlc-fees)
   * [Pruning the Network View](#pruning-the-network-view)
@@ -894,15 +893,6 @@ first few peers, in the assumption that propagation is adequate).
 This assumption of adequate propagation does not apply for gossip messages
 generated directly by the node itself, so they should ignore filters.
 
-## Initial Sync
-
-If a node requires an initial sync of gossip messages, it will be flagged
-in the `init` message, via a feature flag ([BOLT #9](09-features.md#assigned-localfeatures-flags)).
-
-Note that the `initial_routing_sync` feature is overridden (and should
-be considered equal to 0) by the `gossip_queries` feature if the
-latter is negotiated via `init`.
-
 ### Requirements
 
 A node:
diff --git a/09-features.md b/09-features.md
index 122ccd7..fa30627 100644
--- a/09-features.md
+++ b/09-features.md
@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ The Context column decodes as follows:
 | Bits  | Name                              | Description                                               | Context  | Dependencies              | Link                                                                  |
 |-------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
 | 0/1   | `option_data_loss_protect`        | ASSUMED                                                   |          |                           |                                                                       |
-| 3     | `initial_routing_sync`            | Sending node needs a complete routing information dump    | I        |                           | [BOLT #7][bolt07-sync]                                                |
 | 4/5   | `option_upfront_shutdown_script`  | Commits to a shutdown scriptpubkey when opening channel   | IN       |                           | [BOLT #2][bolt02-open]                                                |
 | 6/7   | `gossip_queries`                  | Peer has useful gossip to share                           |          |                           |                                                                       |
 | 8/9   | `var_onion_optin`                 | ASSUMED                                                   |          |                           |                                                                       |
@@ -79,10 +78,6 @@ above can be found in [BOLT #1: The `init` Message](01-messaging.md#the-init-mes
 
 ## Rationale
 
-There is no _even_ bit for `initial_routing_sync`, as there would be little
-point: a local node can't determine if a remote node complies, and it must
-interpret the flag, as defined in the initial spec.
-
 Note that for feature flags which are available in both the `node_announcement`
 and [BOLT 11](11-payment-encoding.md) invoice contexts, the features as set in
 the [BOLT 11](11-payment-encoding.md) invoice should override those set in the