Photo via BBC Sport

'We lost the life of a brother' - rider protest delays Giro di Lombardia

Professional cyclists staged a five-minute protest at the start of the Giro di Lombardia in Bergamo, Italy, to demand urgent action on road safety after a series of dangerous incidents. The delay came as riders highlighted the death of British cyclist Fin Tarling, who was killed in a collision with a vehicle during the Volta a Portugal in August.

Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, a double Olympic champion, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to prevent further tragedies, including the recent collisions involving Thomas Gloag and Marcel Camprubi at the Tre Valli Varesine. The Cyclists' Professional Association (CPA) called on the UCI to hold race organizers accountable for ensuring safer conditions, stressing that riders prioritize returning home safely over competitive performance.

The Giro di Lombardia, one of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races, saw its usual intensity muted by the protest, with Evenepoel and others vowing unity in pushing for change. The race marked the final Monument of the season, though five-time winner Tadej Pogačar was absent due to a season-ending injury sustained at the Vuelta a España.

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