
New year, new framework. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has published an overview of the security measures in force in the peloton for the 2025 season. The yellow card system, tested last year, is now a done deal. It will however be activated more often : in addition to the UCI WorldTour and UCI Women's WorldTour races, the Road World Championships, the ProSeries and the Continental Championships will also be affected. Punishable behaviors are also expanded to include "the dangerous behavior of a runner launching during sprint finishes" and that of an assistant who adopts an inappropriate attitude in the refreshment area. The accumulation of cards can lead to disqualification or even suspension. A rider who receives three yellow cards in 30 days would be suspended for two weeks., and anyone who gets six cards in a year would be sidelined for 30 days.
As in 2024, the three-kilometer rule could be extended to the last five kilometers in order to take the times of the runners earlier and avoid taking risks during sprint finishes. What's next? An in-depth study will be conducted on the subject of earpieces. Among the other ideas studied, « a course evaluation software to improve the way race routes are selected and prepared”, « the use of airbags for runners, regulations regarding rim height and handlebar width », or "the feasibility of a device measuring the distance between runners and vehicles in the racing convoy ». UCI President and IOC Presidential candidate David Lappartient welcomed the progress made "towards the implementation of initiatives that will make road cycling safer".