In cycling there are always bad falls during mass sprints. To ensure greater safety, the international umbrella organization UCI has introduced an anti-cheering rule.
It is not uncommon for cycling races to be decided in a mass sprint. Dangerous actions that lead to falls are not uncommon. The UCI has now introduced new rules that are intended to ensure more safety.
In the future, the umbrella organization may impose fines if drivers celebrate before the finish line during sprints. This rule prohibits teammates from celebrating during the bunch sprint – even if a professional from their team has just crossed the finish line first.
From now on, even letting go of the handlebars can be punished. Radio messages will also be banned during the mass sprint in the future.
Such cheering will now be punished with fines of between 100 and 500 Swiss francs. In addition to fines, breaking the rules can also result in yellow cards – too many of which can lead to exclusion from UCI races.
Incident at the Vuelta causes rules to be introduced
The basis for the introduction of the new rule is an incident that occurred during the rainy 17th stage of the Vuelta a España last year.
In the mass sprint, Alpecin-Deceuninck professional Kaden Groves prevailed against the competition. A few meters further back, teammate Edward Planckaert was celebrating his colleague’s victory. The Belgian made a small swerve and Victor Campenaerts (Lotto – Dstny), who was sprinting to his left, had to deviate slightly from his line.
Even though the action had no consequences, Planckaert was warned with a yellow card. The UCI jury explained the decision as “inappropriate behavior that puts others at risk.”
Source: www.sport.de
