Vanmarcke engages with UCI on safety and wants to tackle bike computers: "It's not allowed in the car either"

Recent incidents in the cycling peloton have fueled the debate on safety once again. Former cyclist Sep Vanmarcke will soon meet with the International Cycling Union to discuss this topic. The Belgian recently received good news and has some clear proposals for improving safety. In an episode of Sporza Daily, he revealed a bit more.

Last year, the descent to the Kanarieberg was criticized after a serious crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen. Wout van Aert, among others, was involved in the crash. Although the section was removed, Vanmarcke does not believe it was necessary. "The Kanarieberg could not have prevented the crash. The Belgian believes you can avoid the descent with an extra loop."

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Vanmarcke employed by LottoNL-Jumbo

It is too easy to remain on the sidelines and complain

He also refers to other dangerous points on the course. "Nothing has ever happened on the Kanarieberg that has been decisive for the race. But on the Oude Kwaremont, it has. You have to be at the front there." But you can't take risks with everything. "Cycling is a dangerous sport, and we should be proud of how we handle it in our country. Every race here is extremely well-secured. Other countries could learn from this. But that crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen was just a situation where someone's wheel touched another, and that will happen sometimes," says Vanmarcke

The Belgian has firm opinions and will present his plans to the UCI. "It is too easy to always sit on the sidelines and criticize the organizers. And it is also too easy to always point the finger at the UCI," says the former LottoNL-Jumbo cyclist.

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The nasty crash in the final stage of the UAE Tour

Vanmarcke wants to tackle bike computers 

"I can come up with at least five things that could improve the problem. Next month, I have a meeting with the UCI to discuss my ideas. I don't know if they will do anything about it, but at least I will have done everything I can," says Vanmarcke.

The Belgian lists several examples, like using straw bales. "It doesn't always have to be spectacular with arrows and barriers. It can be efficient." He also mentions the handlebars, which are far too narrow. But he has more striking ideas, like bike computers.

"In the car, you're not allowed to look at your phone while cyclists constantly stare at the screen of their bikes. You see the route on that screen but miss your colleague's maneuver. People even crash uphill because they look at the wattages and the screen on a climb. Display only kilometers and the time to avoid these incidents," Vanmarcke thinks out loud.

The Belgian also wants to discuss tire width with the UCI. "If we want to reduce speed, can't we go for tires that provide more resistance? The best rider will still be the best, but he will be 3 kilometers per hour slower," concludes the 36-year-old former cyclist.

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