Adam Hansen
@HansenAdam
As it unfolded:
On the rest day, the CPA first contacted all stakeholders to arrange an agreement based on the weather forecast for stage 16. It was clear that the conditions on Umbrail Pass should invoke the UCI extreme weather protocol, and the riders proposed eliminating this pass to avoid 2 degrees with snow during the long descent. The riders' intention was to have a full race without having to stop and restart due to extreme weather.
The riders stood united in their decision, which was communicated to show the seriousness of their stance. After many hours of negotiations on the morning of the race, the CPA did their best to convey the riders' seriousness in avoiding today's situation.
In the end, it was clear that Umbrail Pass could not have been raced as local authorities closed the pass due to too much snow. If the riders had raced, as the stakeholders wanted, the race would have stopped at the Umbrail Pass. Please remember, the riders' intention was always to race from point A to B and put on a show, exactly like they did and how a race should be.
So ultimately, due to the weather, the original race course could not have been completed. Especially since before the race had even started, it was 0 degrees with snow. If that does not invoke the extreme weather protocol, then what does?
It is 2024; we need to have a clear protocol in place for all stakeholders to understand and accept to preserve the good image of cycling. A "let's see how it goes" approach, especially today, would have resulted in riders on the side of the road, scattered all over the climb, looking for shelter in the snow. This is not the solution for ensuring the riders' health.
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