Safe Descents Ensured - Tour de France Enhances Security Measures

Departures to the Finish - Tour Increases Safety Measures

Two Alpine stages of the 110th Tour de France will conclude with a descent. In consultation with the global governing body and teams, the organizers have enhanced the safety standards.

The organizers of the Tour de France have significantly increased the safety measures for the stages that end with descents, namely stages 14 and 17. Adam Hansen, spokesperson for the riders' union CPA, announced that the professionals will receive auditory warnings before curves.

Furthermore, dangerous turns will be secured with padded barriers. Both descents have been resurfaced, fulfilling a major request from the riders.

Preparations for Hazardous Descents

The 14th stage concludes with a descent of approximately twelve kilometers from Col de Joux Plane to Morzine. Three stages later, the route continues for an additional six kilometers from Col de la Loze to Courchevel. Hansen, a former teammate of the four-time time trial world champion Tony Martin, plans to personally ride down and film both descents in the coming days. The recordings will be made available to teams and riders.

Avoiding Mistakes while Riding

In mid-June, during the Tour de Suisse, Gino Mäder tragically crashed and lost his life while descending from Albula Pass to the finish. According to prevailing opinions, it was believed that a rider error led to the accident. However, there is currently no footage or witnesses of the fall. The ensuing safety debate also raised questions about whether stages should conclude with descents from Alpine passes.