Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Ineos boss calls for ‘real action’ to combat ‘serious’ safety issues in pro cycling
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Published 12/04/2024 at 21:26 GMT+1
Ineos Grenadiers CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe has called for more protection for professional cyclists following a "horrific crash" at the Tour of the Basque Country race last week involving Jonas Vingegaard. Ratcliffe wants "real action" to be taken to combat the "serious" safety issues ahead of the Grand Tour season. “We now need to see real action to ensure the safety of the sport," he said.
Visma boss Plugge gives update on Vingegaard and Van Aert
Video credit: TNT Sports
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has called for “real action” to be taken to protect professional cyclists from accidents ahead of the Grand Tour season.
The Ineos Grenadiers CEO penned an open letter, released on Friday, which highlighted the safety issues seen in the sport of late.
Jonas Vingegaard, who has won the last two editions of the Tour de France, is currently hospitalised following a crash at Itzulia Basque Country race last week.
The Danish cyclist suffered several substantial injuries, including a broken collarbone, broken ribs and a collapsed lung in an incident that also involved Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic.
Jay Vine, who was also involved in the crash, sustained three spinal fractures and is now walking after avoiding life-changing injuries, while it remains to be seen how long Vingegaard’s recovery will take.
"As we prepare for the start of the grand tour season, we really need to address the issue of safety in professional cycling," Ratcliffe wrote.
“In Formula 1, when Ayrton Senna had his fatal crash 30 years ago in Italy, the governing body set out to transform the safety regulations of one of the world’s most dangerous sports and significantly reduced injuries as a result.
"This contrasts starkly with cycling where, until now, governing bodies have made very few changes and serious accidents are a common occurrence.
“As recently as last week, we had yet another horrific crash involving three of the world’s top cyclists, Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic.
“Even whilst training, top riders are at serious risk, indeed INEOS Grenadiers have had two horrendous accidents in recent years both involving Tour de France winners.
“Chris Froome experienced a compound fracture of his femur on a recon ride and Egan Bernal broke his neck and many other bones on a training ride.
“Both were lucky to be able to even get back on a bike.”
Ratcliffe recognised and praised the UCI’s decision to introduce the formation of 'SafeR', announced in June, which is “a specialist entity to oversee all aspects of cycling safety”.
However, Ratcliffe wants more action to be taken to minimise the risk of further “horrendous” incidents.
“Cyclists are always going to push things to the limit as they are elite sportsmen and that is why action is so important,” Ratcliffe added.
“For the first time, the sport will have a dedicated safety body whose sole concern is to make the sport safer, reducing the risks to riders and spectators whilst losing none of the thrill of racing.
“This is what Formula 1 has done so well over the past 30 years and I would hope that we will now see the same in cycling.
“I applaud the UCI for taking the issues on board and agreeing to support the establishment of SafeR. We now need to see real action to ensure the safety of the sport.”
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