Bikes have ‘red cards’ while UCI reveals new safety rules

The International Cycling Union (UCI) unveiled its new set of rules on Thursday aimed at making the sport safer with penalties in one-day races extending to an immediate ‘red card’.

In stage races, the first offense is handled with a 30-second penalty, the second with a two-minute penalty and the third with a ban.

The changes include a ban on riders sitting on the flat tube of the bike, a move used by Slovenian Matej Mohoric but much enjoyed by Chris Froome on his way to the 2016 Tour de France victory.

Cyclists also need to be more careful about how to dispose of their beverage bottles while cycling as careless consumption, which can cause accidents, can prevent immediate dehydration.

Some measures have taken effect immediately, with others to be introduced on or after April 1.

“These new measures are part of a comprehensive safety plan for riders, men and women,” said the UCI, which said they were unanimously adopted by representatives from teams, riders and organizers.

“If the organizers need to pay attention to new guidelines for the organization of their events, the riders and crews will have to change specific routines and practices,” the statement said.

Froome, who rides for Israel’s Start-up Nation, hadn’t been as effective when the changes were first revealed in early February.

“Next they’ll ban the sight of gas and angles sticking out …,” he tweeted the four-time Tour de France winner.

However, David Lappartient, president of the UCI, told AFP on Thursday that the rule change came after a discussion with the riders.

“They are telling us that if we leave this as a permissive device, then it will make others accept it,” he said.

“They have no other choice. CX (aerodynamic traction) has such an advantage and so of speed, if they don’t do it, they’re let down the slope.”

– Environment –

Lappartient also defended the change in the way riders dispose of beverage bottles.

They now have to invest them in specific areas that will be around every 30 to 40 kilometers on the road.

If a bottle is knocked down or outside of these zones, the rider will fall into hot water.

“First is the safety side, with the risk of falling in the peloton,” he told AFP.

“The other side is that the environment should not be disrespected.

“We cannot continue to be an image of cycling where the environment dies when a bicycle passes. Strong steps had to be taken, which were agreed unanimously.

“Remember, there were shows when UCI put on the helmet (in 2003).

“Today it wouldn’t happen for anyone to start a race without a helmet. Tomorrow it will be the same for throwing bottles into nature or accepting a (dangerous) position on the bike. It will be obvious.”

In the new rules, “riders must have complete control of their bicycle in all circumstances, while setting an example for less experienced cyclists”.

They must respect the situation where their only points of support must be “feet on the pedals, hands on the handlebars and sitting on the saddle”.

“We fully support the decisions taken at the last UCI governing body on 4 February following a consultation process in which our representatives participated with other cycling families,” he said. Gianni Bugno, president of the Association of Professional Cyclists (CPA).

Other new rules, related to the safety of the courses, the installation of crash barriers, and the recruitment and training of security officers will take effect from 1 April.

jm / bvo / bsp / dj

Source