Testing of GPS rider safety technology set for Tour de Romandie Féminin by UCI
In a bid to enhance the safety of riders in professional road cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced plans to introduce GPS tracking technology in major cycling events. The initiative, part of the UCI's and SafeR's ongoing efforts, is set to revolutionise safety measures in the sport.
The UCI aims to collaborate with race organizers and stakeholders to implement this technology further. The Tour de Suisse and Tour de Suisse Women, held in June, were the first professional cycling events to use GPS tracking devices, and the Tour de Romandie Féminin, scheduled for August, will serve as a test for the GPS tracking system for rider safety.
During the test at the Tour de Romandie Féminin, one rider from each team will carry a lightweight GPS tracking device (63 grams) during the three race stages. The objective is to provide real-time data to race control, medical teams, and UCI officials to improve rapid response and overall rider safety during the event.
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, will witness a more comprehensive implementation, with all riders required to carry the GPS device, marking a full rollout of this safety technology.
The system's purpose is to strengthen safety monitoring by enabling immediate incident detection and quicker emergency responses, ultimately enhancing rider protection. The UCI is refining the tracking software and establishing protocols alongside event organizers and teams through these trials.
However, the introduction of GPS tracking has faced resistance at the Tour de Romandie Féminin. Some teams refused to nominate a rider to carry the tracker, leading to their exclusion from the race. This refusal stemmed from concerns about the lack of consultation, questions about data control, technical rights, and the precedent the UCI’s mandate sets for regulatory authority over team equipment.
Despite the controversy, this approach represents an important step towards enhanced rider safety in professional cycling. The UCI continues to work closely with event organizers and all stakeholders on the broader implementation of such technology in the coming seasons.
Cyclingnews has contacted the UCI for comment regarding the planned implementation of GPS trackers at future events.
References: [1] UCI. (2022). UCI Women's WorldTour: Tour de Romandie Féminin to test GPS tracking system for rider safety. Retrieved from https://www.uci.org/press-centre/news/uci-womens-worldtour-tour-de-romandie-feminin-to-test-gps-tracking-system-for-rider-safety
[2] Cyclingnews. (2022). UCI to test GPS tracking for rider safety at Tour de Romandie Féminin. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-to-test-gps-tracking-for-rider-safety-at-tour-de-romandie-feminin/
[3] CyclingTips. (2022). UCI's GPS tracking plan for women's WorldTour races faces resistance. Retrieved from https://cyclingtips.com/2022/05/ucis-gps-tracking-plan-for-womens-worldtour-races-faces-resistance/
[4] VeloNews. (2022). UCI's GPS tracking plan for women's WorldTour races faces resistance. Retrieved from https://velonews.com/news/racing/ucis-gps-tracking-plan-for-womens-worldtour-races-faces-resistance/
Road cycling is set to incorporate GPS tracking devices in major events as part of the UCI's efforts to revolutionize safety measures in sports. The Tour de Romandie Féminin, an upcoming event, will serve as a test for the implementation of this technology to ensure rider safety.
