Are increasing race speeds causing more pro cycling crashes? The GCN Show

It was the climax of the cobbled Classics at the weekend with arguably the most prestigious one-day race, Paris-Roubaix. After some pretty astounding speeds were reached during that race Dan Lloyd and Si Richardson are talking about whether speed is the main factor for the seeming increase in pro cyclist crashes recently.

A bit of background to start with in case you've missed it. During Itzulia Basque Country last week, a six-stage race held in the Basque, there was a horrific crash during stage 4. It saw the likes of current Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Primoz Roglič and Jay Vine crash out, sustaining a combination of broken bones, punctured lungs and pretty nasty injuries between them and others involved. You can see more detail on that in yesterday's Racing News Show and a recent article here on the GCN website.

Read more: Full medical bulletin from the horror crash at Itzulia Basque Country

That incident happened during a high-speed descent at a reported 80kph. Meanwhile at Paris-Roubaix over the weekend, while thankfully there were no significant crash incidents, the pace of the race was something else. In fact, this year’s race was the fastest on the record for the third year in a row, with Mathieu van der Poel averaging an astonishing 47.8kph for the 260km duration.

We're seeing higher and more sustained speeds at races, so is this the reason we're seeing more crashes? First, Dan and Si try and decide whether it's just perception that there are more crashes, when there are high-profile riders involved. It's difficult to determine as there aren’t actually that many stats around to confirm this or not.

What we do know is that according to data from procyclingstats.com the number of incidents and injuries has gone up in the last five years, well the number of reported crashes at least.

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The number of reported incidents have increased since 2018 according to data from Pro Cycling Stats

Dan and Si discuss how this is something that the UCI are taking seriously as they have partnered with the University of Ghent to try and understand the causes and how to mitigate against them. Perhaps not surprisingly the majority of incidents seem to occur in the final 20km of a race, suggesting that's an area where increased safety measures need to be put in place.

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Data suggests that the majority of race course incidents happen in the last 20km of professional races

With the development of better bike tech, increased knowledge of training and diet, greater rider analysis and improvements in the technicality of the clothing and equipment the riders use, there’s no doubt that speeds and the intensity of racing are increasing. But these aren’t the only reasons and as the guys look at some of the other factors influencing this change within the peloton they also carefully consider what might be done to reduce the occurrence. Reduce the size of the peloton maybe? Or even look at making bikes slower…?

We'd love to know your thoughts on this. Do you think there are more crashes and what if anything should be done to make the racing a little slower and safer? Let us know in the comments below this article.

In other news from the cycling world, Dan ponders what it would be like to wear a pair of airbag bib shorts - a design concept being touted by a former Chief of Research and Development at sports clothing specialist Bioracer. The premise is that the bib shorts remain relatively discreet until the rider crashes at which point they inflate to absorb some of the impact. The jury is out for the moment but it's probably something we should get Hank to test run at some point in the future.

There’s also a crazy-looking bike from MTRL that has to be seen to be believed, a new declaration on cycling offered by the European Union and a first-ever power meter from legendary groupset manufacturer Campagnolo priced at just, er $2249…

Topeak Competition

We have a highly desirable competition prize on offer this week courtesy of our friends at Topeak. You could win this PakGo Ex bike box which is perfect for transporting your bike around without it getting knocked or damaged. That's not all as there's also a Tune-up station as part of the top prize bundle – that's Topeak's bike storage and charger combination stand. Three runners-up will each get a Tune-up station. Please check our full terms and conditions before entering.

To enter then click on this competition link

You’ll need to fill in your details and answer a simple question about the PakGo bike box. Entries close on 19 April and winners will be announced in an upcoming GCN Show. Good luck!

Hacks and bodges of the week

Stephen from Northern Indiana sent us this intriguing SPD clipless pedal adaptation. He says that as they 'are double-sided, why not use one side for something useful instead of just leaving it empty? The weight of the lights keeps the pedal oriented for easy clipping in.' Bearing in mind this came through on April Fool's Day we're not convinced it's a totally genuine suggestion.

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Meanwhile, graphic designer Con sent us this image of his team’s cycling kit. He tells us, 'I've designed the 2024 Blanch Wheelies club kit and new logo. I also like vintage cycling. So what would our club jersey look like if it was from the late 70s/early 80s? I got 3 sweatshirts and cut them up and sewed them back, I included 3 back pockets and the club name to get that vintage look!'

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And finally Kim from Woodrising in New South Wales, Australia told us: "I bought this Domane LT+ two years ago and the Isospeed promised comfort and compliance. It didn't deliver. It took me a long time to figure out how to fit the RedShift suspension post as there is a pivot bolt with bushings and a rebound damper to modify without compromising the carbon build. It's now done and my 75-year-old bones are much happier."

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Coming up on the channel this week*

Wednesday 10 April How to ride steep climbs with Hank and Manon

Thursday 11 April Everyday aero sucks - but this might help

Friday 12 April Pro team bus tour with Lotto Dstny

Saturday 13 April Dan Lloyd's long-awaited journey back to health and fitness

Sunday 14 April Does calorie counting work?

*All channel content subject to change!

Did you know?
You can now listen to The GCN Show as a podcast. That means you can still get all the insight from the latest episode of the show without actually having to look at Dan and Si at all, if that's ever been an issue for you. Search for 'Global Cycling Network' on your chosen podcast provider.

Competition Rules
This promotion is not open to those residing in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.

Entries close 10:00BST Friday 19th April 2024 and winners will be announced in a GCN Show from Tuesday 23rd April February 2024.

For more info see our full Terms and Conditions

For all things general news, check out this tab on the GCN website

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