This document is aimed at the various parties involved in professional cycling. Its objective is to chart the current situation regarding the wearing of helmets in professional Road events following implementation of the new ruling on 5 May 2003.

 

UCI, and in particular the Professional Cycling Council, are delighted that it has been possible to make the wearing of helmets compulsory in all professional Road events, thanks to the support of the leading parties in the sector. This is a responsible decision, taken in the general interests of the sport of cycling and those who practise it.

 

Thanks to the cooperation of the vast majority, the new rule has been accepted very well given the rapidity with which it was introduced. However, a few points remain uncertain. UCI is aware of these, and is endeavouring to resolve them, in collaboration with the parties concerned. This document sets out these points and outlines the actions undertaken to date, on the basis of some of the comments from riders, sporting managers, organisers and the UCI equipment unit.

 

Following some of the comments that have reached them, the UCI equipment unit and UCI legal department are seeking to ensure that the helmets used comply with the various different official standards in force, with the aim of providing our athletes with maximum safety protection.

 

In particular it seems that some aerodynamic helmets worn in against-the-clock trials do not offer adequate protection.

 

We shall make our conclusions known to you as soon as possible so that the necessary decisions can be taken.

 

According to some, the wearing of a helmet presents problems for individuals suffering from particular morphological or physiological conditions (scalp diseases, deformities of the cranium). However, not one case of this kind had ever come to our notice until very recently, although it has been compulsory for other categories (juniors, under 23s, women, elite without contract) to wear a rigid helmet for 12 years.

 

However, similar situations have arisen in other professions in which the wearing of a helmet or cap etc. is compulsory (e.g. construction industry, army, police). For this reason the UCI equipment unit and UCI health department are looking into whether solutions must be offered for particular extreme cases, while always guaranteeing the safety and equal treatment of all riders. 

 

The wearing of a helmet can be uncomfortable when climbing hills and in very hot weather. Some riders contacted us to point this out, though all approved the decision to make the wearing of helmets compulsory generally.

 

UCI is prepared to adopt practical solutions very quickly, working on the principle that in any case helmets will still be compulsory for cycling downhill.

 

On this subject, the helmet manufacturers have informed us that they are already working on making improvements to their products (comfort, safety). For example, some are looking into the possibility of incorporating refrigeration systems for trials taking place in extreme heat, and this may eventually provide a solution to the problem. Hence one notes that the new rule is a factor in technological progress.

 

According to the rules, riders in events up to class 3 may, at their own risk, remove their helmets for the final climb if the finish is on this uphill section or at the top of the hill, under the following conditions:

1) the uphill section in question is at least 5 km long,

2) the helmet is not removed before the start of the uphill section.

 

Enforcement of this rule poses practical problems. The riders wish to rid themselves of their helmets quickly, in a confined space and at a very tense point in the race. This results in a moment of great confusion, which poses dangers to riders, followers and spectators and shows our sport in a disorderly light.

 

Certainly this is a matter for further thought by all concerned, taking everyone’s experiences into account.

 

The rule making the wearing of helmets compulsory is necessary, and generally its introduction has gone very well.

 

We shall keep you informed as to how thoughts develop on the points raised in this document; a meeting on this subject will take place at the end of the 2003 season, and all parties concerned will be represented.

 

In the meantime, we urge you to send us your comments and suggestions, particularly those concerning situations of extreme heat, as UCI is prepared to act very quickly (even for the Tour de France) to adopt practical solutions that will guarantee riders the best safety conditions.

 

 

Aigle, l July 2003

Contact:

Union Cycliste Internationale

Alain Rumpf

Professional Cycling Manager

CH – 1860 Aigle

Tel. +41 24 468 58 11

Fax +41 24 468 58 12

E-mail alain.rumpf@uci.ch