UCI to meet riders, teams and organisers to discuss safety

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is to put together a working group to review and improve rider safety and security for next season. Riders, teams, race organisers and commissaires have been invited to meet at Il Lombardia on September 30 to discuss possible changes.

Earlier in the year, the UCI updated safety rules relating to the number of vehicles allowed on a race and how they should be positioned at various points. Additional emphasis was placed on the need for safe driving, particularly when overtaking riders.

The organisation says that since the new rules were introduced, several cases of misconduct by motorcycle riders have been passed on to the UCI Disciplinary Commission.

Other new regulations this season have included clarification of exactly when riders are expected to stop at level crossings (as soon as warning signals are activated) and the introduction of the Extreme Weather Protocol at the start of the year. The latter was called upon on three occasions, with rider representatives and teams deciding on appropriate action.

Ahead of next season, the UCI is to publish a race caravan guide, a comprehensive set of regulations and guidelines governing all aspects of safety and security.

Topics up for discussion by the working group meeting at Il Lombardia will include the maximum number of riders in the race and how to ensure safe course design. Particular focus will be on the final three kilometres of a race, with plans for a set of best practice guidelines for race finishes.

The working group will comprise representatives from the professional riders association (CPA), the professional teams association (AIGCP) and the international association of race organisers (AIOCC).

UCI President Brian Cookson said: “I am happy with the progress and investment we have made in 2016. We know that there is more work to do and I am looking forward to working with the AIGCP, the CPA, AIOCC and others to ensure that we create the best possible conditions for riders”.