This year’s Tour de Suisse will be the first cycling race in the world to incorporate a comprehensive rider and convoy tracking system, along with a mobile safety center. These measures, announced by the organizers, aim to improve rider safety following the tragic deaths of Gino Mäder in the 2023 edition and promising young rider Muriel Furrer at the Junior World Championships in Zurich in 2024. The initiative has been welcomed by the UCI.
In a statement, the UCI stressed that “the safety of cyclists remains an absolute priority for everyone involved in men’s and women’s cycling.” In addition, the organization confirmed that it is in contact with the organizers of the Tour de Suisse to evaluate the results of this implementation.
A GPS tracking system on each bike
Tour de Suisse director Olivier Senn explained that each bike will be equipped with a GPS that will issue alerts in the event of anomalies. This system will allow cyclists to be located in real time and, in the event of an emergency, rescue services to be deployed quickly and efficiently. The information will be centralized by a team of three specialists, who will also be supported by television cameras and weather radars.
“We know that absolute safety does not exist. We cannot completely prevent accidents, but we are doing everything possible to minimize the consequences and ensure that teams have all the necessary information,” warned Senn.
The death of Muriel Furrer and its impact on safety
Swiss cycling was also shaken in 2024 by the death of Muriel Furrer, an 18-year-old promising young rider, during the Junior World Championships in Zurich. Furrer suffered a serious fall on a dangerous descent in the rain and remained unaccounted for for over an hour in a wooded area of the circuit. She was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition but died 20 hours later due to severe head trauma. With this new GPS system, Furrer would have received better care.
Following this painful loss, the UCI deeply regretted her death and highlighted the need to implement stricter safety measures in cycling competitions. This tragic event, together with that of Gino Mäder, has prompted the organizers of the Tour de Suisse to implement the aforementioned innovative initiatives to protect cyclists.
