There is an increasing focus on safety in professional cycling. Serious crashes and tragic accidents show the urgent need for improvements. One possible step is the use of airbags.
19.06.2025, 04:30
19.06.2025, 06:47
SDA
When the Tour de Suisse rolls through the country these days, it not only thrills the crowds at the side of the road, the peloton also involves a certain amount of risk. It is not uncommon for speeds of over 100 km/h to be reached on descents, and the riders are only protected by a helmet. The fatal accidents of Gino Mäder two years ago on the Albula Pass and Muriel Furrer at her home World Championships last fall showed just how devastating the consequences of crashes can be.
Last season, the UCI registered a total of 497 incidents in the WorldTour, the Women's World Tour and the ProSeries that led to accidents. More than a third of these (35 percent) were "unprovoked" riding errors. The UCI responded by introducing a number of measures, including the distribution of yellow cards to penalize dangerous riding manoeuvres from this season onwards. In its letter of January, the UCI also informed that the idea of airbags is being examined.
Other sports are leading the way
The topic is not new in the world of sport and has already found its way into the equestrian or motorcycle scene. From next winter, after a two-year transition phase, airbags will also be compulsory in the Ski World Cup, at least in the downhill and super-G speed disciplines. There was initially a great deal of resistance, for example due to restrictions on freedom of movement or the weight of the systems.
Scepticism also accompanied the introduction of the Halo system in Formula 1 in 2018 - a titanium bar over the cockpit to protect the head. The impairment of visibility was a major point of criticism, as were the aesthetics. Today, the halo is indispensable. It has prevented worse things from happening many times.
To prove the reliability of the technology, the International Ski Federation (FIS) says it has carried out 7,000 tests. The UCI has not yet reached that stage. Although airbags are already being produced for cycling, the products are either not specifically developed for racing or they are still in a test or pilot phase.
A distinction is made between a kind of mini backpack and neck braces. The latter is particularly attractive for bike commuters, as they can do without a helmet and thus keep their hairstyle intact. The system works in such a way that sensors continuously monitor the rider's movements in order to detect unusual movements and trigger the airbag. This protects the head and neck area.
Open ears
At the Tour de Suisse, the Keystone-SDA news agency asked what the Swiss protagonists had to say about airbags. According to Raphael Meyer, CEO of the Swiss Tudor team, there has not yet been any contact with the UCI in this regard.
For Olivier Senn, the director of the Tour de Suisse, the topic is "definitely worth discussing". He asks himself fundamental questions: "What is even possible? Are teams, riders and manufacturers willing to embrace this technology?"
There are generally positive signals from drivers - but so far there has been no personal experience with airbag systems. "When it comes to more safety, I'm never averse to it," says Swiss road champion Mauro Schmid, for example. At the same time, he sees technical hurdles: "It would be an additional burden, especially in summer when it's very hot."
Stefan Küng is also open-minded: "We should examine all options. If it becomes mandatory for everyone, it won't be a disadvantage for anyone in the end." The decisive factor is that the systems are adapted to the specific requirements of cycling.
Silvan Dillier draws a comparison with the introduction of disc brakes: "In the beginning, many pros were against them. Today they are standard." Innovations take time - from the idea to marketable implementation, says Dillier.
The decision lies with the UCI
For Tour Director Senn, one thing is certain: "A functioning airbag would be a great benefit - currently, the riders are almost unprotected on the road." Küng adds: "If you can prevent even one broken bone, it would be worth the investment."
Whether airbags will actually become mandatory in professional cycling will ultimately be decided by the UCI alone.
