An extremely dangerous stage

The echelons and attack by Sagan and Froome in the finale put an end to our plans today. It didn’t come to the planned sprint. In the end we and the other teams were not able to catch the four in the break group. But we will keep trying.

Unfortunately the race was once again was on the borderline, safety-wise. In addition to the normal hectic at the Tour, in which every stage is as hard fought as the World Championships, there was the wind, which made everyone nervous, and course with many narrow village streets, which many riders criticized. It was very dangerous, as the many crashes showed. Unfortunately nothing has changed as far as the race vehicles are concerned. Even when many teams have built up their trains and the road is actually full, the motorcycles still force their way through.It is especially critical when it is police motorcycles, which have large cases on the rear left and right and are therefore much broader, which want to pass us.

I have noticed that we cyclists think differently since the bad accidents. We make space when we hear a vehicle, out of angst. We don’t want to take any chances. But I don’t notice the organizers making any changes. Therefore, like others, (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/quintana-and-movistar-blast-tour-de-france-organisers-for-dangerous-stage-11/) I am talking about this again today.

The fact is: As pro cyclists we naturally face a high risk in our sport. Many things can happen on descents, in the tight fights for position or through materiel problems. But external risks, which endanger our safety, should be reduced to a minimum. However, I am unable to see the will to implement the first good intentions and to protect us as the protagonists of this business.

Photo: roth-foto.de