The tragic death of Finlay Tarling has sparked a crucial conversation about helmet safety standards in professional cycling. This incident, coupled with the recent deaths of other riders, has brought into sharp focus the need for an urgent review of the current regulations.
As president of the CPA riders' group, Adam Hansen has been a vocal advocate for change, calling on the UCI to modernize its helmet safety standards. The current standards, which have been in place for nearly three decades, are simply not fit for purpose in the high-speed, high-risk environment of professional cycling.
"One thing we have to look at is helmets. They need a major upgrade," Hansen emphasizes. The EU standard CE EN 1078, which is applied to helmets sold in the UK and EU, is only rated for speeds of 19.5kph. This is a far cry from the speeds reached in professional races, where average speeds are increasing and crashes can be devastating.
The recent Tour de France, for example, was the fastest on record, with an average speed of 43.3kph. This highlights the need for helmets that can withstand much higher impact forces. Additional safety features, such as MIPS anti-rotation technology, should be mandatory to ensure rider safety.
Hansen's concerns are not new. He has been urging the UCI to review its helmet standards for over two years, but it seems that a tragedy was needed to bring about change. "Sometimes there needs to be a tragedy before a change," Hansen sadly acknowledges.
While the UCI is exploring other safety measures, such as tracker technology and airbag skinsuits, Hansen believes that helmets should be the priority. "Helmets are more important than airbags," he asserts. However, he also recognizes the challenges of implementing stricter helmet regulations across different racing tiers and the potential resistance from helmet manufacturers.
The issue of helmet safety standards is a complex one, but it is a conversation that needs to be had. As cycling continues to evolve and speeds increase, it is crucial that safety measures keep pace. The death of Finlay Tarling serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate safety standards. It is time for the UCI to take action and prioritize the well-being of riders by modernizing helmet regulations.
In my opinion, this issue goes beyond just the technical aspects of helmet design. It speaks to the broader culture of safety in cycling and the responsibility of governing bodies to protect riders. While technological advancements are important, they must be accompanied by a shift in mindset and a commitment to putting rider safety first. Only then can we truly honor the memory of those we have lost and ensure a safer future for the sport.
