New standard to be introduced for barriers in final kilometre of races
The UCI has announced a number of measures to improve rider safety in 2021
A new standard will be set for barriers used in the final kilometre of races, the UCI has announced, which will be implemented at the start of the 2021 season amongst a wave of new measures set to improve rider safety.
Other measures include a special committee to look at the equipment used by teams that can impact rider safety, such as disc brakes and bottle cages, as well as implementing stricter rules regarding dangerous manoeuvres on the road and discarding bidons to the side of the road or among the peloton.
Details of how exactly barriers will be made safer or redesigned has not been specified.
Rider safety came to the fore on numerous occasions during the 2020 season, with Fabio Jakobsen put into an induced coma after crashing over the barriers in a high-speed incident when sprinting for the win against Dylan Groenewegen at the Tour of Poland, while the Giro d'Italia peloton protested the length of stage 18 and halved the 258km route.
Geraint Thomas's Italian Grand Tour campaign was also brought to a premature end when he slipped on a discarded bidon and came down hard in the neutralised zone of stage three.
Therefore, the UCI says it will improve communication with riders when safety issues arise, and also produce a more detailed protocol for when races can be neutralised.
>>> Concussion protocol will see affected riders withdrawn from racing for at least a week
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The working group who agreed on these measures, which can be read in full here, included various stakeholders, including UCI President David Lappartient, team managers Iwan Spekenbrink (Sunweb), Richard Plugge (Jumbo-Visma) and Patrick Lefevere (Deceuninck - Quick-Step), riders Philippe Gilbert (Lotto-Soudal) and Matteo Trentin (CCC), as well as Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme.
"As professional rider directly impacted by these new measures, I am extremely pleased to have been involved and listened to throughout the consultation process led by the UCI," Gilbert said. "This allowed me to directly express our concerns on important topics such as barrier design and ensuring race convoy vehicles are operated safely around riders. I am pleased with the outcome and glad to see that my input will provide greater safety for us, and for the next generation of riders that will follow."
"The measures announced today enable us to take an important step forward in the reinforcement of safety at road races, which has been one of the major priorities of the UCI for several years," Lappartient added." All professional road cycling families have shared their concerns and proposed solutions, and it is on this basis that the announced measures were drawn up before being approved by the different competent bodies, including the Professional Cycling Council, which brings together representatives of teams, organisers and riders.
"Cycling now has a solid plan of action, which we will continue to improve in consultation with all concerned."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Hi. I'm Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor. I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
Overachiever: Cameron Wurf competed in the Amstel Gold, La Flèche Wallonne and an Ironman, all in just eight days
Cameron Wurf is both a member of Team Ineos Grenadiers and an accomplished professional long course triathlete who has racked up numerous World Tour and Ironman race finishes across his career.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
The tech nerd's guide to the perfect coffee
Joe on Joe. What does it take to make a fine mug of Joe? We sent Joe Baker to find out.
By Joe Baker Published
-
'All the conditions are met, then it's questioned again' - Visma-Lease a Bike bemoan UCI review after 'a lot of money' spent on development of Giro helmet
Team reacts to governing body statement on Tuesday, day after new helmet was debuted
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The UCI is banning time trial helmet optimisations - one day after Giro lid broke cover
The 'head sock' is out, with more helmets to be reviewed - whilst hookless rim investigation is still ongoing
By Adam Becket Published
-
UCI launches investigation into massive men's Tour of Flanders pileup
World governing body also investigating road-blocking team tactics used by DSM in the race as well as by Trek-Segafredo at Dwars door Vlaanderen
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lefevere suggests UCI is 'short of cash' after fining Alaphilippe
Soudal Quick-Step rails against the ruling body after his French team leader is penalised for removing his helmet while racing
By Peter Cossins Published
-
Lava in the metaverse - Five things we want to see from a virtual Track Champions League
The competition is becoming more and more immersive, so here are a few suggestions
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tailwind heaven: Moroccan one-day race tops 56km/h average speed
Strong Saharan winds propel riders at Grand Prix Sakia El Hamra
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Nairo Quintana to leave Arkéa-Samsic, six weeks after signing new contract
The Colombian is currently appealing his Tour de France disqualification
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Nino Schurter claims astonishing tenth mountain bike world title
The Swiss rider is considered the greatest of all time.
By Tom Davidson Published