After tears comes reality: Who is responsible for safety? Organization of World Championship points the finger at UCI

Almost a week after Muriel Furrer's tragic death, the ball has started rolling in the cycling world. With that comes discussions and opinions, but more than ever, there is also a call for real action. So, where to start? That question undoubtedly went around among those at the World Championship organization's press conference. They pointed explicitly to the UCI.

The meeting occurred in Switzerland on Wednesday, six days after Furrer's tragic crash. The press conference first dealt with responsibility, an uncomfortable point that needs to be discussed because responsibility is essential for change. Live trackers in games and other safety measures are on the table, but according to the World Championship organization, they must be mandated by the UCI.

Read more below the photo.

Organization points to conditions and complies with Bad Weather Protocol

Het Nieuwsblad reports that the mandatory Bad Weather Protocol was met, among other things. The race organization also points out that a combination of circumstances was involved. The slippery road surface in the turn in question was successfully passed by hundreds of riders thousands of times. "There was only one crash, unfortunately with tragic results," reports organizer Oliver Senn at the press meeting. This man then lashed out at the UCI immediately afterward.

"If the authorities' investigation would show that we are responsible, we will take that responsibility. But regarding GPS tracking, no conditions have been imposed from the UCI," Senn continued. "It is the UCI that makes the rules. We have already let them know that we still need to have a good talk about this. I hope this changes cycling a bit. There have been too many deaths already." Thus, it seems that the International Cycling Federation should especially consider the guidelines for races that the organizations of the different races implement.

The calendar for the new cyclo-cross season is now online! Check it out here. Or check out our general calendars for the remainder of the season for the men and women's races.