"Rising death toll will kill the sport in the long run." CPA president Hansen angry with Andratx organization

Last weekend, the Trofeo Andratx-Pollença was canceled. The Spanish one-day race was suspended after 25 kilometers following crashes in the opening phase. The rain created such an unsafe situation that the riders decided it could not continue. Subsequently, the organization expressed dissatisfaction, but Professional Cycling Association president Adam Hansen contacted the riders.

The Australian Riders' Union president explained the situation from the riders' perspective. "The start of today's race was chaotic," he said on social media. The road was completely slippery due to the rain, leading to numerous crashes. All medical services were occupied assisting multiple riders, with some even being evacuated to the hospital."

"Under UCI regulations, the CPA appoints three riders to represent all riders in such situations. Today, after the start of the race, heavy rain created hazardous road conditions, resulting in more than ten crashes across multiple areas, involving over 50 riders. The slippery roads continued to pose a significant risk, so the riders realized that the situation would persist unless an alternative solution were implemented. The three designated riders, representing the entire peloton, approached the President of the Commissaires' Panel to inform them that the race could not safely continue."

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"The riders received no feedback, nor was any alternative plan communicated by the organizers"

"According to the 2025 updates to the Extreme Weather Protocol (EWP), the President of the Commissaires' Panel should have neutralized the race (in this case, stopped it to prevent further crashes) and consulted all stakeholders. Unfortunately, this did not happen. The riders received no feedback, nor was any alternative plan communicated by the organizers, the commissaires, or the riders' team directors. At this point, the riders made the decision to protect their physical integrity."

"We also believe that a solution could have been found. Organizers always have a Plan B in case of bad weather affecting the race route. For example, the race could have been neutralized until a safer point and restarted from there."

Hansen criticized: "No races, no audience and without an audience no sponsors"

The teams supported their riders' decision, and there was also much support outside the peloton, but not everyone agreed with it. Spanish journalist and blogger Jorge Matesanz sided with the organizers, who were already strongly critical of the "disrespectful" riders. "This is a show that should be seen by as many people as possible," he stated in a response to Hansen. 

"Organizations, television channels, the media, etc. are working on this. Each with their own interest, each in their own way. I think the peloton has been adrift for some time, indicating a lack of awareness of this organizational model and its purpose. If there are no races, there is no audience. Without an audience, there are no sponsors. And without sponsors, no professional cycling. Or am I wrong?"

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Hansen: "I would not let my child to race bikes"

Hansen felt compelled to respond. He sees decreased safety as a potential roadblock to the sport. "I would not let my child to race bikes, it has become too dangerous. I hear the same from x-pros & fans alike. The rising number of deaths will kill the sport in the long run. I take a long-term perspective rather than focusing on just a one race today."

"Last year we saw an excessive number of crashes. Many riders were out for most of the season. The fans & organizers, wants the best riders competing together in their races to create the best show. That benefits everyone. Ironically we joked that we are just racehorses. Because as soon as a rider is down, they are out. We are all replaceable. It's a cutthroat sport."

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