Are There More Crashes? VeloViewers Are Also a Risk, Says Andrle. He Wouldn't Rule Sagan Out of Tour Incidents | iDNES.cz

The question of whether professional cycling has become more dangerous is a recurring one, and this season, the sentiment among riders and observers is that crashes are indeed more frequent. The brutal pile-ups that marked the early stages of the Giro d'Italia thinned the field of favorites, setting a concerning tone for the year.

The Tour de France has also seen its share of incidents. The race began with a crash involving Astana riders, followed by the FdJ team hitting a manhole cover during the team time trial. Further adding to the concern, a mass crash occurred at the start of Monday's third stage, involving riders like Mathias Vacek.

These events have led to discussions about the risks inherent in the sport. While the exact causes are complex, factors such as road conditions, aggressive racing tactics, and equipment can all contribute. The frequency of these major incidents raises questions about rider safety and the measures being taken to mitigate risks in the high-stakes world of professional cycling.