Calls for UCI to Make Cycling Safer After Tour de France Crashes

The recent string of high-speed crashes in professional cycling has sparked outrage and calls for action from the president of the French professional cyclists’ union (UNCP), Pascal Chanteur. Chanteur has urged the UCI, the world governing body of cycling, to take responsibility for making the sport safer after several top riders were hospitalized due to serious injuries sustained in crashes.

Chanteur expressed his anger over the dangerous conditions that have led to multiple riders being injured, including two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard and rising star Remco Evenepoel. He warned that the sport may be heading towards a tragic incident if safety measures are not improved.

One of the key issues highlighted by Chanteur is the use of advanced materials in bike manufacturing, such as carbon, which he believes leaves little room for error and increases the risk of serious injuries in crashes. He also criticized the use of disc brakes and high gear ratios, which he deems too dangerous for racing.

UCI president David Lappartient acknowledged the need for a discussion on disc brakes and equipment safety but also pointed out that rider attitude plays a role in preventing crashes. Lappartient mentioned the introduction of yellow and red cards to penalize dangerous behavior on the road.

Chanteur emphasized that the peloton has been frustrated with the lack of progress on safety issues since Fabio Jakobsen’s life-threatening crash in 2020. He called on cycle manufacturers to prioritize safety and take action to prevent further accidents and potential fatalities in the sport.

As the debate on cycling safety continues, the pressure is mounting on the UCI and stakeholders in the sport to address the concerns raised by Chanteur and work towards creating a safer environment for riders.