Philippe Gilbert has some choice words for the UCI about that Burgos crash
In the wake of the horrible crash that marred stage 2 of the recent Vuelta a Burgos, Belgian veteran Philippe Gilbert (Lotto Soudal) has spoken out about the incident and the UCI’s handling of safety matters.
Gilbert, a member of the UCI’s Athletes’ Commission, took to social media over the weekend to post a no-holds-barred take on the incident and its significance.
“As the riders’ representative for the Athletes’ Commission of the UCI, I support all the riders who, unfortunately, crashed at the Tour de Burgos,” he wrote. “I defend the safety of athletes and denounce this kind of breach!
“I asked the UCI to create a protocol for recognition, control and validation of routes and especially for finishes. However, this is still not in place … Unfortunately the riders are always the victims of this negligence.
“It’s time safety topics will be taken seriously. Things needs to change for the good of cycling.”
Gilbert’s post attracted support from a handful of current and former pros including Fabian Cancellara, Fausto Masnada, Pieter Serry, and Richie Porte, plus from Gilbert’s former team boss, Patrick Lefevere.
The crash in question happened with 500 metres to go on stage 2 of the Vuelta a Burgos when the peloton reached a speed bump while winding up for the final sprint. One rider hit the ground, precipitating a chain reaction in the peloton, before a trio of Jumbo-Visma riders – Timo Roosen, Edoardo Affini and Chris Harper – took out all three podium positions.
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