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 in the past week.

The most recent incident occurred during the Tour of the Basque Country, where Norwegian rider Soren Waerenskjold crashed during a sprint finish, adding to the growing list of injured cyclists. Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard was also hospitalized after suffering broken bones and lung damage in the same crash.

Chanteur expressed his frustration with the current state of cycling safety, pointing to the use of advanced materials like carbon in bike construction as a major factor in the increased number of crashes. He also criticized the use of disc brakes and high gear ratios, which he believes contribute to the dangerous speeds at which riders are traveling.

The UNCP president called on the cycling industry, particularly cycle manufacturers, to prioritize safety over performance and make necessary changes to prevent further accidents and potential fatalities. Chanteur emphasized the importance of reducing speeds and adapting equipment to ensure the well-being of riders.

Despite the challenges of speaking out against powerful sponsors and manufacturers, Chanteur remains determined to advocate for safer conditions in professional cycling. As the sport grapples with the aftermath of recent crashes, the call for change and accountability grows louder within the cycling community.