Philippe Gilbert slams UCI for ‘negligence’ at Vuelta a Burgos
‘It’s time safety topics are taken seriously’ says Belgian former World Champion

Philippe Gilbert (Lotto Soudal) has spoken up on behalf of his fellow riders after a horrendous crash at the recent Vuelta a Burgos saying it is a result of 'neglicence'.
According to the Belgian, riders are still being placed in harm’s way despite rider safety being discussed more frequently at UCI level.
In the final kilometres of stage two of the Vuelta a Burgos, a speed bump placed in a downhill section caused David Dekker (Jumbo-Visma) to crash which then caused a subsequent mass pile-up.
Dekker was then blamed for the horrendous crash by the director of the Spanish stage race.
As a senior rider in the peloton, Gilbert has acted as a rider representative at meetings with the UCI around safety.
In a statement on social media, Gilbert wrote: “As the rider’s representative for the Athletes’ Commission of the UCI, I support all the riders who, unfortunately, crashed at the Tour de Burgos.
“I defend the safety of athletes and denounce this kind of breach!
“I asked the UCI to create a protocol for recognition, control and validation of routes and especially for finishes. However, this is still not in place. Unfortunately the riders are always the victims of this negligence.
“It’s time safety topics be taken seriously. Things need to change for the good of cycling.”
The UCI have been under scrutiny for dangerous finishes in races before. Including at the Tour de Pologne in the infamous crash involving Dylan Groenewegen and Fabio Jakobsen. That particular crash caused various rules on safety to be introduced and that particular finish was banned.
Gilbert was one of many high profile voices when the UCI overhauled its safety protocols in 2021. The regulations brought in then would appear to prohibit finishes similar to the one in Burgos.
“There must be no obstacles such as road narrowings, traffic islands and speed bumps in the final kilometre," reads the Specifications for Organisers, a supplement to standard regulations for organisers of WorldTour or ProSeries events, Burgos being a ProSeries event.
However, another clause in the organisation's regulations says that “in no case” can the governing body “be held responsible for any defects in the course of accidents that may occur”. Safety issues are deemed to be firmly in the remit of the race organisers.
Multiple riders expressed their fury after being caught up in the incident last week. Eduardo Affini, teammate of Dekker, expressed his frustrations with the UCI on social media.
Affini said: “I feel very sorry and sad for everyone involved and I hope no one is badly injured. Dear UCI, after all that happened already, to allow a finish with a speed bump so high in the last 800m coming from a super high speed section is a disgrace. Unacceptable."
Cycling Weekly has not received a reply to a request for comment from the UCI after the crash at the Vuelta a Burgos.
Thank you for reading 10 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
Tom is a News and Features Writer at Cycling Weekly, and previously worked in communications at Oxford Brookes University. Alongside his day job, prior to starting with the team, he wrote a variety of different pieces as a contributor to a cycling website, Casquettes and Bidons, which included interviews with up and coming British riders.
-
-
Specialized reveals new heritage-inspired custom colorway for Unbound Gravel 2023
Ian Boswell, Sofia Villafane and other Specialized athletes will again be racing aboard custom -painted bikes at Unbound Gravel. Here's the story behind this year's paint.
By Joe Baker • Published
-
Tweets of the week: Trek's new Lidl kit, Alaphilippe's unusual training and the Cavendish/Thomas show
Your favourite social media roundup from the world of professional cycling
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'All the pressure was on him': Philippe Gilbert impressed by Kasper Asgreen’s form ahead of Paris-Roubaix
Danish rider finished seventh for Soudal Quick-Step after Patrick Lefevere called for riders to ‘save team’s honour’
By Tom Thewlis • 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
-
Philippe Gilbert says Julian Alaphilippe could benefit from fresh start at new team
Former Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders winner says Alaphilippe may enjoy new challenge away from Patrick Lefevere's Soudal Quick-Step team
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