UCI Introduces New Safety Measures in Pro Cycling, Including Yellow Cards
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced a series of rule changes aimed at improving safety in professional cycling. In light of numerous crashes involving top riders during the spring season, the governing body is taking steps to prevent similar incidents for the remainder of the year.
The changes include the introduction of a yellow card system, restrictions on the use of earpieces during races, modifications to the three-kilometre rule, and a simplified method for calculating time gaps in stages with a bunch sprint finish. These new rules will be tested in upcoming races until the end of the season, in collaboration with various stakeholders, before being finalized.
Innovative Yellow Card System
A standout feature of the new safety measures is the implementation of a yellow card system, akin to those used in soccer. This idea, initially proposed earlier in 2024, will become a reality from August 1 to December 1 in both men’s and women’s races.
The UCI clarified that these yellow cards will serve as a sanction but will not physically exist; they will be documented in the race communiqué published after each race. The objective is to discourage unsafe behavior by holding all members of the race convoy—riders, sport directors, drivers, and motorbike riders—accountable, thereby promoting responsible conduct.
Safety Offenses and Sanctions
Race commissaires will be authorized to issue yellow cards for offenses that compromise safety, with 21 specific incidents listed. These cards can be given alongside other penalties or as an independent sanction. The introduction of the yellow card system does not affect the existing option to disqualify riders.
Trial Period and Future Penalties
During the trial phase, yellow cards will not carry additional penalties, and accumulated cards will not lead to disqualifications or suspensions in UCI WorldTour and UCI Women’s WorldTour events. However, from January 1, 2025, accumulating yellow cards will result in penalties: two yellow cards in the same race will lead to disqualification and a seven-day suspension, three yellow cards within 30 days will result in a 14-day suspension, and six yellow cards within a year will lead to a 30-day suspension. Used yellow cards will not count towards future penalties once they have resulted in a suspension.
Commitment to Rider Safety
UCI President David Lappartient emphasized the priority of rider safety, stating, “The safety of riders is a priority for the UCI, and it was with this in mind that we created SafeR, a structure dedicated to safety, bringing together the main stakeholders in professional road cycling.” Lappartient is confident that these new measures, developed by SafeR, will significantly enhance safety in the sport.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by incidents such as the crash involving defending Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, who spent 12 days in the hospital. With only 17 days remaining before the Tour, his participation is still uncertain.
Through these comprehensive safety measures, the UCI aims to reduce accidents and create a safer environment for all participants in professional cycling.
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