The UCI has announced the introduction of yellow cards in professional cycling to enhance safety in the sport. This move is part of the SafeR program, which aims to increase rider safety after a series of high-profile crashes this season. President David Lappartient stated that yellow cards will be issued for any offense that may pose a risk to safety during men’s and women’s professional road races.
During the trial period, no punishments will be given, but riders could face fines, disqualifications, or suspensions in the future. If a rider receives two yellow cards in a one-day or stage race, they will be banned for seven days. This initiative underscores the importance of prioritizing rider safety in the sport.
Notable incidents such as Jonas Vingegaard’s collapsed lung and Jay Vine’s spinal injuries during the Itzulia Basque Country race have highlighted the need for increased safety measures in professional cycling. Race leaders like Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel were also forced to abandon the race due to a crash during the same event. President Lappartient emphasized the importance of prioritizing rider safety in cycling.
In addition to yellow cards, the UCI is also considering restrictions on earpieces during races, which can be distractions and physical hazards for riders. The organization also plans to explore modifications to rules regarding sprint zones and time gap calculations in stages with bunch sprint finishes. These initiatives are part of the UCI’s efforts to make professional cycling safer and more secure for everyone involved.
The trial period for yellow cards will take place from 1 August until 31 December, with sanctions being implemented starting on 1 January 2025. The introduction of yellow cards is an important step towards ensuring that professional cycling is safe and secure for all participants involved.
Overall, this initiative marks a significant milestone in improving road racing safety standards globally by ensuring that dangerous behaviors are punished appropriately while preserving fairness and integrity within sportsmanship culture.
President Lappartient added: “Safety must always come first when it comes to competitive sports,” emphasizing his commitment towards protecting athletes from unnecessary harm during their events.
With these new rules set forth by UCI officials, we can expect a safer future for professional cyclists competing at international level tournaments as well as amateur levels where such penalties could discourage dangerous behaviors leading to serious injuries or fatalities ultimately affecting not only individuals but society as a whole.”
