Chad Young dies in hospital five days after horror crash

If you think about the volume of road racing taking place over the planet and then consider the number of deaths and serious injuries, its really not as bas as it can seem.

I agree with the comment above, there are some immediate and necessary 'wins' to be had around race vehicles, however beyond that, its going to be hard to make any major changes. At a professional level.

However, I also believe that we are surviving by little more than good fortune. I was watching a video of a crit on youtube the other day, and right on the apex of a corner was a concrete lamp post. 

There was no protection on this lamp post at all, probably because you wouldn't visualise a rider hitting it in normal riding conditions. But it also wouldn't take much for a rider to hit that post and when they do it'll be serious... and actions will then be taken to improve things. its a shame it has to be that way around, when action could be taken now. 

I know BC have invested a huge amount of times risk assessing UK courses to ensure that there are reduced serious / fatal accidents. Some of the requirements are fairly draconian and excessive now, but fingers crossed we won't be talking about further avoidable deaths any time soon. 

If you think about the volume of road racing taking place over the planet and then consider the number of deaths and serious injuries, its really not as bas as it can seem.

I agree with the comment above, there are some immediate and necessary 'wins' to be had around race vehicles, however beyond that, its going to be hard to make any major changes. At a professional level.

However, I also believe that we are surviving by little more than good fortune. I was watching a video of a crit on youtube the other day, and right on the apex of a corner was a concrete lamp post. 

There was no protection on this lamp post at all, probably because you wouldn't visualise a rider hitting it in normal riding conditions. But it also wouldn't take much for a rider to hit that post and when they do it'll be serious... and actions will then be taken to improve things. its a shame it has to be that way around, when action could be taken now. 

I know BC have invested a huge amount of times risk assessing UK courses to ensure that there are reduced serious / fatal accidents. Some of the requirements are fairly draconian and excessive now, but fingers crossed we won't be talking about further avoidable deaths any time soon. 

F1 is an enclosed machine based sport so the safety measures facing cycling are completely different given it can't restrict the actual cyclists performance. People did seem to be expendable in F1 decades ago and change really was needed as it could easily be done for a bit of financial investment. 

I'm not sure where you go in cycling though. There have been some pretty good advances in motorcycle leathers and airbags and maybe in cycling in years to come there'll be some form of lightweight inflatable neck bracing but I doubt it.

Don't forget there's also an element that embraces the danger. It makes the sport what it is. It makes people want to do it and people want to watch it. It wasn't long ago we were having a picnic and day out at the local hangings.  

This is worse than Formula 1 back in the 80s before they care about safety. 

Awful news. It will be of little concelation at the moment, but he died doing something he loved. Rest in peace Chad. x

What a loss. I'm deeply saddened to hear this, thoughts are with his family, friends an all involved in the team.