This Friday, theInternational Association of Cycle Race Organizers (AIOCC) held its general meeting in Riva del Garda, Italy. The director of Tour de France and president of theAIOCC, Christian Prudhommeaddressed a major priority in current Cycling: the safety of riders. He referred to the terrible falls that occurred during the Tour of the Basque Country last April, as well as the tragic accidents that cost the lives of Gino Mäder on the Tour of Switzerland 2023, to Andre Dregeon the Tour of Austriaand to the young 18-year-old runner, Muriel Furrerduring the Junior race of World Championships in Zurich.
Video – Cycling in mourning… Muriel Furrer was 18 years old!
Christian Prudhomme: “We absolutely must reduce the speed by appropriate measures”
The president of theAIOCC, Christian Prudhommesaid: “For all organizers, safety will remain a top priority in 2025 and in the years to come,” he explained. “Beyond the behavior of the athletes and the work of the organizers, it is imperative to reduce the speed by appropriate measures: the runners are going too fast! The faster they go, the more the risk increases, and the more they endanger not only their own safety, but also that of others.”
Renzo Oldani: “The important thing is that the races don’t stop”
Following the cancellation of Three Valleys Varesines, Renzo Oldanithe organizer of the race, had proposed the idea of introducing a safety car in the style of Formula 1, in order to allow the race to reach its end. This question will be discussed at a future meeting next week. “Solutions are being sought; today, there was even talk of setting up a safety car like in Formula 1. This is perhaps an idea. The important thing is that the races do not stop, causing harm to the organizers, to the entire cycling world and, above all, to the supporters. This is the most important thing.”
