Professional cyclists should also undergo testing, just as motor racing drivers do.
A Hypothetical Safety Test for Professional Cyclists
In a thought-provoking article, award-winning author and multiple national champion Michael Hutchinson proposes a safety-focused driving test for professional bike racers. The proposed test aims to enhance safety in races by assessing riders' physical safety equipment, medical awareness, behaviour rules, and equipment compliance.
One of the key elements of the test would be the assessment of crash response and self-check protocols, ensuring riders can check themselves and their helmets for damage after a fall and verify their mental clarity to identify concussions early. Understanding of concussion recognition and management would also be essential, with racers demonstrating knowledge of concussion symptoms and the dangers of continuing to ride while symptomatic.
The test would also include familiarity and compliance with maximum gearing protocols, knowledge of racing etiquette and rules enforcement, helmet safety and proper fit evaluation, and the use and interpretation of rider tracking and impact-detection technology.
Simulation of bike handling skills under race conditions would be a crucial part of the test, focusing on control, situational awareness, and the ability to react safely within the high-speed and densely packed peloton environment. Scenarios incorporating new equipment standards, such as rim and tire regulations, would be included to assess the riders' adaptability.
In this hypothetical test, the rider would pass if they avoid ending up in an ambulance during the feed zone scenario. The test would involve the examiner setting up a feed zone on a 60kph descent, accelerating and towing the rider up to the same speed, and holding a 'sticky' bottle of energy drink out of the window. The rider would be expected to slalom through obstacles such as a pavement cafe, an elderly lady with a Zimmer frame, and civic flowerpots without crashing.
The test would also present opportunities for the rider to get back at the examiner, such as by throwing the bottle back through the window with the spout open. There would be merit marks for emerging with the hat, sunglasses, and beer of a spectator during the feed zone scenario, as well as for taking anything at all during the feed zone.
It's important to note that this test is purely hypothetical and not currently implemented in professional racing. In reality, survival at the end of the season determines the rank of a professional bike racer. British Cycling, for instance, issues a racing license without any exam or test.
The idea of implementing a test similar to motor racing to make racing safer, particularly for professional racing, was suggested by a friend. With the increasing number of crashes in professional racing, such a test could potentially reduce injuries and enhance safety in racing.
References:
- [Link to Source 1]
- [Link to Source 2]
- [Link to Source 3]
- [Link to Source 4]
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
