UCI moves to strengthen race safety with live tracking after rider’s death
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British rider Finlay Tarling died following an accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal on Aug 14.
PHOTO: UCI/FACEBOOK
- The UCI plans to enforce real-time tracking rules for riders and vehicles after British cyclist Finlay Tarling died in a race accident.
- Tarling was hit by a non-race car driving the wrong way during the Volta a Portugal, highlighting safety risks.
- Tracking technology will be introduced at WorldTour events and was used at recent Road World Championships to improve race safety.
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LISBON – Cycling’s governing body plans to establish rules for real-time tracking of riders and vehicles at professional road races following the death of British rider Finlay Tarling, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Sept 4.
The issue dominated a two-day meeting of the Professional Cycling Council, which began with a tribute to the 19-year-old Tarling, who died following an accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal on Aug 14.
Portugal’s RTP broadcaster said Tarling was hit by a non-race car driving in the opposite direction.
The UCI said a dedicated tracking system was urgently needed after cycling’s main stakeholder groups failed to produce a joint proposal. It wants the technology to be introduced at UCI WorldTour and Women’s WorldTour events before being extended across professional road cycling.
“Given safety remains an absolute priority, the UCI will therefore establish protocols and a regulatory framework for the use of real-time tracking systems at races,” the statement said.
Tracking systems were used in all categories at the 2025 Road World Championships in Kigali and would operate again at 2026’s championships in Montreal later in September, the UCI said. REUTERS