Jonathan Vaughters, manager of EF Education-Easypost, has strongly criticized the UCI, cycling's governing body, for its handling of rider safety, calling it 'unable to make good decisions.' His comments come as top riders like Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Mathieu van der Poel also voice concerns about the sport's safety, particularly regarding increased rider numbers, post-crash health protocols, and controversial rule changes on gear ratios and handlebar width.
Tour de France team boss Jonathan Vaughters blasts UCI over rider safety
Tour de France 2025Tour de FranceCyclingSports
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Jonathan Vaughters, manager of EF Education-Easypost, has strongly criticized the UCI, cycling's governing body, for its handling of rider safety, calling it 'unable to make good decisions.' His comments come as top riders like Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Mathieu van der Poel also voice concerns about the sport's safety, particularly regarding increased rider numbers, post-crash health protocols, and controversial rule changes on gear ratios and handlebar width.
Trending- 1 March 2025: Jonas Vingegaard suffered concussion injury during Paris-Nice
- 2 Thursday, July 3rd, 2025: Tadej Pogacar expressed safety concerns
- 3 Friday, July 4th, 2025: Jonathan Vaughters launched attack on UCI on eve of Tour de France
- Increased debate and scrutiny over rider safety in professional cycling
- Potential for further rule changes or reforms by the UCI
- Riders facing ongoing safety risks due to racing conditions and protocols
What: Jonathan Vaughters, a Tour de France team manager, publicly criticized the UCI (cycling's governing body) for its 'dangerous inaction' and inability to make good decisions regarding rider safety and governance. This criticism is echoed by top riders Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Mathieu van der Poel, who express concerns about the sport's safety, including the increase in rider numbers, post-crash health protocols, and controversial rule changes (gear ratios, handlebar width).
When: On the eve of the Tour de France (July 4th, 2025); Pogacar expressed concerns on Thursday (July 3rd, 2025); Vingegaard suffered concussion injury during Paris-Nice in March.
Where: Global cycling, specifically in the context of the Tour de France.
Why: The criticism stems from a growing debate over safety in World Tour racing, with stakeholders believing the UCI is managed by 'politicians and bureaucrats' who lack understanding of the sport's reality and exclude those with practical knowledge. Riders are concerned about the risks associated with racing conditions and inadequate safety protocols.
How: Vaughters launched a 'scathing attack' through an interview with The Guardian. Riders voiced their concerns publicly. The SafeR commission, advising the UCI, is attempting to implement changes like testing reduced gear sizing, but progress is slow.