UCI tackles safety with new barriers (and possibly airbags and gear restrictions), but disagreement over earpieces remains

The UCI and SafeR, the UCI's safety committee, distributed multiple surveys through the cycling world, both to riders as well as officials and team staff. "A key message from the riders is the utmost need for consistency in the application of sanctions for dangerous rider behaviour in sprint finishes (e.g. deviating from their line in a dangerous manner and not checking their surroundings) both by sprinters and lead-out riders," the cycling federation says. For example, it was recently announced that lead-outs may be punished for cheering along when their leader wins.

But it was not only the behavior of the riders themselves that was addressed. "The riders expressed their concerns about course design in sprint finishes, namely poorly positioned and aligned barriers, the entry to the vehicle deviation and the need to avoid corners in the last sections." That eventually led to dealing with the barriers in several ways: the dimensions of the barriers, the mechanical characteristics, the systems of attachment, and how advertisements are mounted are all being addressed. Impact tests are also being conducted, to see if riders are safely caught in the barriers.

There was also an investigation into the use of earpieces in the race. The UCI has long been concerned with the use of radio communication: it is looking at whether that can be reduced, as fewer earpieces would provide more safety. "Two methods of use were tested: only two riders per team wearing an earpiece, and blanket removal of the device. Different stakeholders then answered a questionnaire to give their opinion on these two methods. The UCI received a total of 349 completed questionnaires (including from 240 riders and 42 team representatives in men’s cycling). This operation led to a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of earpieces and more broadly in-race communication in the race convoy." As to whether reducing radio communication made for safer racing, the UCI makes no comment.

In any case, new tests on communication will follow. "The aim is to ensure that any future testing and potential changes to the current rules and usage meet the imperative of increasing safety. This could involve improvements to devices and technology used to ensure the efficiency of in-race communications for riders, teams, organisers and officials."

Last, the cycling federation also made statements about other safety measures. "UCI is investigating the application of other regulations such as the use of rider airbags, the regulations concerning rim height and handlebar width, and consideration of gear restrictions to reduce top speeds." In recent weeks, Wout van Aert stated he favors gear restrictions. Chris Froome and Matteo Trentin also joined the Belgian.