The organisers of the Tour de France have significantly increased the safety measures on stages 14 and 17, which both end with descents. Adam Hansen, spokesman for the riders' union CPA, announced that the professionals will be warned acoustically before bends.
Tour de France 2023: Padded barriers in dangerous bends
In addition, dangerous bends are secured with padded barriers. Both descents have been resurfaced, which was a major request from the riders.
The final stage 14 leads from the Col de Joux Plane about twelve kilometres down to Morzine. Three stages later, the route continues from the Col de la Loze a further six kilometres to Courchevel. Hansen, former team-mate of four-time time trial world champion Tony Martin, wants to ride down both descents himself and film them over the next few days. The footage will be made available to teams and riders.
Security debate reignited
Gino Mäder crashed and died on the descent from the Albula Pass to the finish line of the Tour de Suisse in mid-June. The prevailing opinion is that a riding error was the Swiss rider's undoing. There are no recordings or witnesses to the fall. In the subsequent safety debate, it was also discussed whether stages should end with descents from Alpine passes.
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