Cycling: After that caused by two motorcycles Mass crash at the Tour of Belgium Last Saturday, when Stig Broeckx (Lotto Soudal) was seriously injured, there was a discussion about the danger to drivers from escort vehicles rekindled. In a statement, the UCI is now announcing a comprehensive catalog of measures which, among other things, will also limit the number of vehicles allowed during the race.
“Security is a hugely important factor for the UCI and its partners. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to protect drivers from unnecessary risks." says Brian Cookson in the statement released late last night. On the one hand, the UCI refers to the recently introduced new regulations regarding escort vehicles. Among other things, it is stipulated there that the drivers have to follow the instructions of the race stewards and the regulations laid down beforehand without any ifs or buts. If a driver violates this, he should be immediately excluded from the race and blocked for the following one. These regulations are therefore already in force - the UCI also emphasizes that the race commissioners have emphasized the absolute priority of the safety of cyclists during the preliminary meetings in recent weeks and months.
In addition, further additions to the UCI regulations are to follow in the near future. This includes, for example, a maximum number of escort vehicles allowed and instructions on where and when they are allowed to be in the race. In this way, the aim is to prevent motorcycles from attempting to overtake or cutting tight curves in passages where there is a risk of falling. In addition, the connections between the size and performance of the motorcycles and the accidents of the last few months are probably being investigated at the moment.
The professionals and the drivers' union CPA will certainly take good note of the measures.