UCI Implements GPS Trackers for Safety at Rwanda Cycling Championships

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced that all riders participating in the 2023 Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, will be equipped with GPS trackers. This decision aims to enhance rider safety during the prestigious event, which marks the first time Africa has hosted the championships. The move follows a tragic incident at last year’s championships in Switzerland, where Muriel Furrer, a Swiss teenager, died after a crash during the junior women’s road race.

The UCI reported that Furrer lay on the roadside for approximately an hour and a half before being discovered, ultimately succumbing to a head injury. This incident highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures, leading to the introduction of GPS tracking technology. The SafeR tracking system, which has undergone testing during the Tour de Romandie Feminin in August, will be implemented across all categories of competitors, from juniors to elite athletes.

The GPS devices will be discreetly fitted under the saddle of each bike, allowing for real-time tracking of rider locations. In the event of a crash or a sudden change in speed, the system can identify unusual situations swiftly, such as a rider stopping unexpectedly on the course. UCI President David Lappartient emphasized the importance of these advancements in safety technology.

“The UCI, together with SafeR and in close collaboration with all stakeholders of professional road cycling, is constantly working to improve the safety of riders,” Lappartient stated. He added that the introduction of a GPS safety tracking system is both important and necessary progress. “Thanks to this system, any incident or accident that might have gone unnoticed can be quickly identified, and it will be possible to assist the person concerned as quickly as possible by mobilising those already on the ground and the emergency services.”

The Road World Championships are set to commence this weekend, with anticipation building for an event that promises to showcase the best in cycling talent while prioritizing rider safety. As the world of cycling continues to evolve, the implementation of such technology may set a new standard for future competitions.