From this year, the UCI Event Safety Manager course is compulsory for all Event Safety Managers appointed to races on the UCI WorldTour, UCI Women’s WorldTour and UCI ProSeries calendars.
Since 2021, organisers have been required to appoint an Event Safety Manager to oversee all safety aspects of their events. In a bid to further protect the safety of everyone – riders, officials and spectators – the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has developed a training course for them that covers all aspects of event safety.
“It is important to create a common safety language between all cycling stakeholders,” said UCI Head of Road and Innovation Michael Rogers. “These people are signing off on all safety elements of races so it is absolutely essential that they have the latest up-to-date information and UCI Regulations at their fingertips.”
This week saw 64 people attend one of the two 2.5-day courses – the first in French with translation into Spanish, and the second in English with translation into Italian. UCI experts led sessions on a wide range of topics including preparation for the race course, start and finish venues, rider safety, convoy and Regulators, medical services, Radio-Tour, and safety topics related to TV production. Participants must pass the final exam in order to continue working as Event Safety Manager.
Event Safety Managers for races being staged in the second half of the year will attend one of two courses being held in February.
“We are greatly encouraged by the positive dialogue and constructive discussions that have taken place this week,” said Michael Rogers. “Safety is a major priority for the UCI, and the Event Safety Managers perform a critical role in implementing all safety elements – whether it be rider safety or the safety of other stakeholders. It was great to witness their commitment and professionalism which, I am convinced, will have a valuable impact on the safety at their respective events.”