The international cycling union UCI has confirmed that it will deploy a GPS tracking system for riders to enhance the safety of all participants during the World Championships being held next week in Rwanda. The system, developed together with SafeR, was previously tested at the Women's Tour of Romandie.
All riders in all categories (elite men and women, under 23, and juniors) will be equipped during all events (both road races and individual and team time trials) with a GPS safety tracking device attached under their saddle. This system, operated from a control center, allows real-time tracking of the position and speed of the entire peloton.
Unusual situations, such as a rider suddenly stopping on the course, can be immediately identified. In such cases, the exact location of the rider is communicated to the relevant parties in the convoy – organizers, UCI commissaires, medical and safety services – so that appropriate measures can be taken without delay.
"The implementation of a GPS safety system for riders is an important and necessary step forward," says President David Lappartient. "Thanks to this system, incidents or accidents that would otherwise go unnoticed can be quickly identified, and the involved rider can be assisted as soon as possible by those already on site and by activating emergency services."
