THE JAKOBSEN CRASH AFTERMATH – NEW RULES FOR THE SPRINT?

Months after the terrifying crash, the talk continues

Tour de Pologne 2020 - 77th Edition - Crash - Dylan Groenewegen (NED - Team Jumbo - Visma) - Fabio Jakobsen (NED - Deceuninck - Quick Step)

In a recent story published in the New York Times, NYT writer Nick Busca wrote about the continuing aftermath of the terrifying Tour of Poland crash last year that nearly cost Quick-Step rider Fabio Jakobsen his life, and also resulted in a nine month competition ban on Jumbo-Visma rider Dylan Groenewegen for causing the melee.

“The U.C.I. acknowledged their worries shortly after the crash in Poland, saying in a statement that it was “extremely concerned about safety, with the multiplication of serious crashes” and that “too many serious crashes have occurred recently.” The governing body said it would begin reforming safety conditions.

With Fabio Jakobsen already sent through the barriers, Dylan Groenewegen is soon to hit the deck himself.

“It is unclear whether the dangers of cycling have became more pronounced in the past year, but by the end of 2020, the U.C.I. had, as promised, revised its safety measures and had pledged to establish a database to better track accidents. At the same time, a new riders’ union rose up to demand more changes.”

However, the article also pointed out a level of dissension within the ranks of World Tour riders where some follow the lead of the CPA riders’ union, and others see the organization as compromised by its association with the UCI.

To read the entire story: Trying to Reduce Cycling’s Greatest Hits

Fabio Jakobsen in happier and healthier days. Following the crash Fabio was put into an induced coma and has endured a number of surgeries which included a fractured skull, brain contusion, broken nose, and torn palette. He has yet to return to racing.

Photos: Bettini