Photo via Cyclingnews

Rider protest 'very fair and correct' but could have been 'done better', says Il Lombardia boss Luca Guercilena

Il Lombardia’s delayed start due to a rider protest received measured praise from race director Luca Guercilena, who acknowledged the demonstration’s fairness while suggesting it could have been executed more effectively. Guercilena, newly appointed as RCS Sport’s cycling division boss after leaving Lidl-Trek earlier this year, confirmed riders approached him just 25–30 minutes before the race to outline their plans.

Though tensions remained minimal, organisers requested a microphone to clarify the protest’s purpose for spectators, with Remco Evenepoel ultimately addressing the crowd to explain the riders’ safety concerns. Guercilena later admitted that while the protest was ‘very fair and correct,’ a more structured platform—such as a designated stage—would have amplified the riders’ message and improved coordination.

Despite recent safety incidents occurring in races outside RCS Sport’s events, Guercilena emphasized the organisers’ commitment to enhancing cycling safety, framing the protest as a constructive opportunity for dialogue rather than confrontation.

Up nextCycling· 4h ago

Paris-Tours: Per Strand Hagenes wins with late solo move