UCI completely misses the mark with well-intentioned press release on safety, including Zonneveld and Plugge react vehemently

The update came in the context of a growing focus on rider safety, with SafeR—a dedicated safety body—offering advice and guidelines. One concrete change for this year’s Tour de France: on seven stages (1, 3, 4, 9, 15, 17, and 21), the 3-kilometer rule will be extended to 5 kilometers, meaning time gaps for the general classification will be neutralized earlier to protect GC contenders during chaotic finishes.

Additionally, the yellow card system, introduced for dangerous or reckless behavior, is gaining traction. Most notably, Oscar Riesebeek of Alpecin-Deceuninck was suspended for seven days after picking up two yellows in a single race. The UCI reports that 159 yellow cards were issued over 173 race days so far in 2024, with 42 percent going to riders. But it wasn’t the cards—or the distance rules—that drew widespread criticism.

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Among the first to voice his frustration was Dutch cycling journalist Thijs Zonneveld, who pulled no punches: “Once again, you're placing the responsibility for safety on the riders. What about that other 71 percent? What about the role and accountability of race organizers and the governing body itself?” Richard Plugge, general manager of Visma | Lease a Bike, echoed those concerns. “Let me rephrase: the most common cause—or most significant contributing factor—is the race environment (71%), while rider error accounts for just 29 percent of incidents.”

In response, the UCI reiterated its commitment to safety. Among the promised initiatives: gear restrictions to help reduce extreme speeds and the continued use of GPS tracking to better monitor rider behavior and positioning. Still, for many in the sport, the UCI’s interpretation of its own data is telling—and troubling. As UCI President David Lappartient stated blandly: “Rider safety remains a key priority for the UCI and all stakeholders in the cycling world.”

But judging by the backlash, many believe that priority is still far from being reflected in action—or attitude.