Ineos Grenadiers owner calls for action to ensure safety in road cycling

Ineos Grenadiers owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has raised concerns about the safety of road cycling following a series of serious accidents involving top cyclists. Ratcliffe, who also recently became Manchester United’s biggest single shareholder, has called for “real action” to be taken to ensure the safety of the sport.

In a letter to the UCI, cycling’s world governing body, Ratcliffe highlighted the need for significant changes to be made to prevent further accidents. He pointed out that in other sports like Formula 1, safety regulations were transformed after fatal accidents, resulting in a significant reduction in injuries.

The recent crash that prompted Ratcliffe’s letter involved reigning Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, who suffered broken ribs and a collarbone in a crash during the Itzulia Basque Country stage race. Other top cyclists, including Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic, were also injured in the same crash.

The UCI acknowledged the need for improved safety measures, stating that “too many accidents have occurred” and that the concern for safety is shared by all stakeholders in road cycling. The governing body mentioned that SafeR, a safety initiative, is in its early stages and its benefits should be seen during the 2024 season.

Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of taking action to protect the elite athletes who push themselves to the limit in the sport. With the upcoming Tour de France and other major races on the horizon, the safety of cyclists remains a top priority for both teams and governing bodies in the cycling world.