Cycling is inherently a fast-paced sport, but recent accidents have raised questions about how to make it safer without compromising its core appeal. The most shocking incident occurred at the Itzulia Basque Country race, where top riders like Jonas Vingegaard, Primož Roglič, and Remco Evenepoel were involved in a crash that left a lasting impact on the season.
Finding solutions to make cycling safer is no simple task. At a recent race organizers’ conference, Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme suggested slowing down the sport, claiming that riders are going too fast. While he isn’t wrong, his advice comes across more as an ironic statement than a solution, considering that the sport’s entire framework encourages riders to push speed to the limit.
One potential solution is limiting gear sizes to prevent riders from pedaling downhill at dangerous speeds. However, even if riders were required to freewheel, they would still reach high speeds, possibly with the advantage of adopting a more aerodynamic position. This highlights a fundamental challenge: slowing down riders may not significantly reduce their speed due to the benefits of aerodynamics.
Another proposal suggests rolling back technological advancements, such as mandating outdated jerseys, box-section wheels, and less efficient frames. However, this would not only make the sport look outdated, but it would also deter viewers from watching a race where bikes resemble those from the 1980s.
A more experimental approach could involve using electromagnetic brakes, but it’s unlikely that riders like Tadej Pogačar would appreciate such a restriction, as it could hinder their performance. So, what would work?
There are no easy answers. The sport’s essence revolves around speed, and attempts to curb that might feel counterproductive. Perhaps neutralizing descents could be a solution, but while safety is a priority, fans are eager to see riders like Tom Pidcock navigate steep descents at thrilling speeds.
Safer racing likely requires a multi-faceted approach. Improved course design, including more multi-lap circuits, could reduce unforeseen challenges for riders. Road surfaces need closer scrutiny during the planning process. And while slowing riders down might be difficult, encouraging safer riding through intelligent oversight from race officials could be a more viable option.
Ultimately, cycling’s nature makes it difficult to regulate speed, and attempts to slow down the sport may only spur riders to go faster. Riders are driven by the pursuit of speed, and as long as that remains true, finding a balance between safety and excitement will remain a challenge.
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