Without wanting to point the finger at the younger generation, Michael Woods believes that cycling is currently too dangerous.
• Also read: Tour de France: Houle, Boivin and Woods at the start
“You know you can die in the race,” explains Woods, who is not disappointed to have missed the Tour de Suisse, where Gino Mäder died.
“I can not judge it. “I too was a problem when I started,” he added, alluding to his own driving deficits.
“I knew Gino Mäder. He was very pleasant. I thought about it a lot even though I wasn’t there. If we don’t change anything, another runner will die in the next few years,” says the Canadian, who advocates more safety.
For his part, while the death of Gino Mäder will long be remembered by cyclists, Hugo Houle believes the peloton will continue at breakneck speed from the start of the Tour de France.
Photos of the gorge where Gino Mäder fell and lost his life during the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse on June 15th. The tracks of the wheels of his bicycle could still be seen there. People gathered there and left flowers in his memory. Archive photos, AFP
Nothing will appear as strong as the picture, assures the Quebecer, who was present at the Tour de Suisse when the Swiss cyclist died.
“It will stay safe. But in the Tour de France there will still be down on the gas. Despite this accident, no one is arrested. I expect completely normal races right from the start, even if they are still the decisive moments that happen maybe every ten years,” explains Houle.
After the announcement of Mäder’s death, the cyclists experienced two emotionally very difficult days.
Think of the risks
It quickly came to a reflection on the associated risks.
This image of Fabio Casartelli lying in a pool of blood after a fall at the 1995 Tour de France still sets the mood today. Photo archives, AFP
Around fifty runners have lost their lives in this race since the 1960s. For fans over 40, the image of Fabio Casartelli curled up in a pool of blood at the 1995 Tour de France is still chilling. This photo may not be released in 2023.
“I no longer have fears, but it’s a reminder of our vulnerability. There will always be risks, but runners are also the ultimate risk bosses. In the past there were a few more unwritten rules. The respect was a little stronger,” adds the 32-year-old athlete.
Dangerous descents
In this debate, the positioning of the finish line has been denounced. Even a death cannot be ruled out, since a descent at almost 100 km/h is never safe.
“Our sport is very dangerous. If you’re going straight ahead at 100 km/h, you’ll fly a little before you land. “It must not have been a very pleasant picture for the first responders,” concludes Houle, who did not fail to point out that there was a descent at the end of the stage he won in Foix.
SINCE 1967 ABOUT FIFTY CYCLISTS HAVE DIED IN RACE AROUND THE WORLD. HERE ARE A COUPLE.
- 2023 | Gino Mäder, fall, 5th stage of the Tour de Suisse
- 2019 | Björg Lambrecht, fall, 3rd stage of the Tour of Poland
- 2018 | Michael Goolaerts, Autumn, Paris-Roubaix
- 2017 | Chad Young, Autumn, Tour of the Gila
- 2016 | Antoine Demoitié, fall and collision with a motorcycle, Gent-Wevelgem
- 2011 | Wouter Weylandt, fall, 3rd stage of the Tour of Italy
- 2004 | Tim Pauwels, fall and cardiac arrest, cyclocross event
- 2003 | Andrei Kivilev, autumn, 2nd stage Paris-Nice*
- 2000 | Nicole Reinhart, Fall in Arlington
- 1999 | Manuel Sanroma, crash, 2nd stage of the Tour of Catalonia
- 1995 | Fabio Casartelli, crash, 15th stage of the Tour de France
- 1987 | Michel Goffin, Autumn, Tour du Haut-Var
- 1986 | Emilio Ravasio, crash, 1st stage of the Tour of Italy
- 1984 | Joaquim Agostinho, Waterfall, Algarve Tour
- 1967 | Tom Simpson, cardiac arrest, stage 13 of the Tour de France
*Up until the early 2000s, helmets were not compulsory. The death of Andrei Kivilev in 2003 brought about a significant change.
Proposals to improve cyclist safety
A fall on a cold 100km/h descent is unforgiving, but efforts can be made to improve cyclist safety. During the last dizzying descent from the Albula Pass, the Swiss Gino Mäder was found unconscious at the bottom of the gorge.
- Of course, parapets cannot be installed everywhere on mountain roads. The speed has actually increased in recent years.
- However, the organizers can decide the design of the race by placing the finish line at the top or even at a certain distance on the flat after a descent. At the end of the stage, fatigue set in and reflexes began to fail.
- The runners must also pay attention, because many of them are willing to take risks and attack on the descents.
- Even fans who are demanding more and more shows will have to ask themselves questions.
- According to a Dutch newspaper, a new independent organization could be presented before the Grand Départ of the tour. The mission would be to improve the safety of street racing.