QUESTION
Is the relentless search for aerodynamics putting riders at risk?
Gruesome images of Stefan Küng crossing the finish line with a blood-spattered skinsuit and shattered helmet after he rode head first into the barriers at the European Championships last September provoked much debate. What should be done about the dangerous time trial position that he himself admitted caused the horror crash?
Küng, who suffered a broken cheekbone, fractured hand and concussion, claimed that when riding a TT he was “basically blind… I can only see a few metres ahead”. It doesn’t take long to cover the distance of a few metres when travelling at 60kph. Küng relied on his team car for directions, except at the Euros he hadn’t received a warning, and didn’t realise the course wasn’t following the direction he was expecting.
The UCI has already looked at its technical regulations in an attempt to combat head-down riding, this year introducing three height categories that allow taller riders to adopt a higher hand position.
UCI in consultation
For Küng, who is 193cm tall and so was able to raise his TT extensions, crashing as he did suggests the introduction of height categories doesn’t go far enough in making TT positions safe.
UCI communications and media relations officer, Charlotte Holst supplied us this statement:
“The UCI recognises the growing tendency among cyclists to adopt low head positions during time trials and track events, with the aim of reducing aerodynamic drag… The UCI introduced in 2023 new time trial regulations (article 1.3.023) that provide riders with more position options, including higher forearms and hand positions.
“In today’s quickly evolving search of performance optimisation, particularly in aerodynamics, there is a clear risk of riders prioritising performance at the cost of visibility and safety… To enhance safety in professional road cycling, the UCI is collectively working with its stakeholders, including riders, teams and race organisers, addressing safety concerns and implementing effective measures to increase the safety and wellbeing of all participants in the sport.”
The options
How close the UCI is to announcing further changes is anyone’s guess, although mindful of the headlines that would be generated if Küng’s crash was to happen at an Olympic Games, it is likely to get an amendment out this year.
Multiple time trial champion Michael Hutchinson, who is now developing a skinsuit for the Irish national team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, has some suggestions. He pointed to a ‘how many fingers am I holding up’ style pre-race check, but added “it doesn’t feel very satisfactory, not least because the duringrace images are going to be hard to get” for all riders throughout the
