UCI to Introduce Yellow Cards in Cycling Safety Initiative

Multiple cyclists were involved in crashes at this year's Itzulia Basque Country race. The UCI plans to trial yellow cards to enhance safety in professional cycling.

UCI will introduce yellow cards in professional cycling to enhance safety following high-profile crashes this season. From August 1 to December 31, a trial period will see the UCI issue yellow cards for any offense that it deems jeopardizes safety in men’s and women’s professional road races. During this trial phase, the UCI will not impose sanctions, but starting January 1, 2025, it will enforce punishments such as fines, disqualifications, and suspensions. Under the new system, receiving two yellow cards in a single-day or stage race will result in a seven-day ban.

This initiative is part of the UCI’s broader SafeR program, which aims to improve rider safety. The move follows incidents such as Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard suffering a collapsed lung and Australia’s Jay Vine sustaining spinal injuries in a crash during the Itzulia Basque Country race in April. Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel both Grand Tour winners, also abandoned the race due to the same crash. UCI President David Lappartient emphasized that rider safety is paramount, highlighting the creation of SafeR to address safety concerns in professional road cycling.

He expressed confidence that these measures will contribute to a safer sport overall. Additionally, the UCI plans to trial restrictions on wearing and using earpieces during races, citing potential distractions and physical hazards. They also aim to review rules regarding sprint zones and simplify time gap calculations during stages with bunch sprint finishes.