Safety: World association announces "major development"

President David Lappartient wants to announce a "major development in safety in professional cycling" in Bilbao, according to a press release. New safety concepts are apparently to be developed together with riders and teams.

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Rolf Aldag on safety in cycling

"But we have to be careful and ask ourselves: where do we have safety concerns? A few years ago, there was a rusty iron post on the finishing straight of the Tour of the Basque Country - that's a no-go, it shouldn't happen and organisers must be held accountable," said Bora sport director Rolf Aldag to the Rheinische Post. "But if we say that we are no longer allowed to ride descents, then it will be pretty difficult for cycling."

The fatal crash of Swiss rider Gino Mäder at the Tour de Suisse has pushed the issue of safety back up the list of priorities. There is broad agreement that Mäder's death could hardly have been avoided. However, everyone involved is also keen to increase safety for the riders.

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