New UCI rule: riders who celebrate their sprinter’s victory before the line will be penalized!

While no recent example of a fall during a celebration comes to mind, mass sprints remain a dangerous moment in cycling races, particularly when a rider decelerates before the line. Last year, a heavy fall occurred on the 13th stage of the Tour de France, preventing Arnaud De Lie from competing for victory. The Frenchman Amaury Capiot had cut his effort and Maxim Van Gils, De Lie’s teammate, had tried to force his way, causing several riders to fall.

Up to 500 euros fine

In the event of non-compliance with the rule, riders will face fines of up to 500 euros, loss of points, demotion to last place in their group, or even a yellow card.

Another new feature, the “three kilometers” rule, allowing a runner to be credited with the winner’s time if he falls or suffers a mechanical problem in the last three kilometers of a race, is extended to 5 kilometers. For the rule to apply, however, the fall must involve several riders.

In recent years, riders have regularly asked authorities and organizers to take measures to improve safety within the peloton. In a recent interview with Sporza, Wout Van Aert pleaded in particular for a limitation of the gear ratios. The 2023/2024 season was marked by heavy falls, including the impressive one which involved Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel during the Tour of the Basque Country.