Paul Seixas calls for stricter cycling safety standards

Professional cyclist Paul Seixas is demanding improved organizational standards and stricter safety requirements following the death of 19-year-old Finlay Tarling. Tarling died in August after being struck by a non-race vehicle that entered the course during the Volta a Portugal.

Speaking on Canal+’s ‘Clique’, Seixas expressed that the incident has deeply affected the peloton, noting that riders are increasingly concerned about organizational failures. He emphasized that while race organizers may be doing their best, the frequency of such tragedies necessitates higher safety benchmarks to prevent vehicles from entering race courses.

This call for reform follows recent protests within the sport. During the Il Lombardia race, riders including Tom Pidcock and Ben Healy participated in a five-minute protest to demand accountability from the UCI and race organizers regarding course security. Additionally, some riders have advocated for the establishment of an independent safety body to oversee professional cycling events.