This system, inspired by practices from sports like football, aims to provide a formal mechanism for addressing potentially dangerous behaviours during races. It has now been utilised for the first time at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift where Barbara Guarischi of SD Worx-Protime became the first rider to receive a yellow card. While introducing this system marks a significant step forward in the UCI’s efforts to ensure safer racing conditions, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in practice and whether it will achieve its intended outcomes.
The inaugural use of the yellow card: Barbara Guarischi’s incident
The first application of the yellow card system in a professional cycling event occurred last Tuesday during stage two of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Italian rider Barbara Guarischi was penalised for what was deemed as unsafe conduct during the stage’s sprint finish. Specifically, Guarischi was observed taking her hands off the handlebars and momentarily ceasing to pedal while still amid the peloton. This action, considered to violate UCI regulations regarding rider safety, prompted the race jury to issue a yellow card – a first under the new system.
The official post-stage communiqué, which documented the infraction, cited Guarischi for “improper conduct that endangers others in the final sprint,” referencing Article 2.12.007.8.2-1 of the UCI regulations. While the incident did not result in any immediate danger or crashes, it highlighted the UCI’s commitment to proactively addressing potentially hazardous behaviour.
Structure and objectives
The yellow card system is part of a broader set of safety measures introduced by the UCI as a trial from June 2024. The system is designed to provide race officials with a formal mechanism to warn riders and other members of the race convoy about conduct that could pose a safety risk. Unlike in football, where yellow cards are shown on the field, in cycling, these warnings are documented in post-race reports and communiqués.
The primary objective of the yellow card system is to enhance rider safety by discouraging risky behaviours that could lead to crashes or other dangerous situations. This system allows race officials to issue warnings without immediately resorting to harsher penalties such as disqualification or suspension. However, accumulating yellow cards throughout a season can have more severe consequences.
According to the UCI’s regulations:
- Two yellow cards within a single race result in immediate disqualification from that event and a seven-day suspension.
- Three yellow cards within 30 days lead to a 14-day suspension.
- Six yellow cards within a year result in a 30-day suspension.
These escalating penalties are intended to encourage riders and other participants to adhere to safety protocols and avoid actions that could compromise the well-being of others. Importantly, once a suspension has been served, the yellow cards that contributed to it are reset, allowing participants to start afresh.
The context of the yellow card system
Introducing the yellow card system is part of a wider initiative by the UCI to improve safety standards in professional cycling. This initiative, developed in consultation with the SafeR project – an independent body focused on cycling safety – includes several other measures to reduce risks during races.
One such measure is the reconfiguration of the 3 km rule. Traditionally, this rule has provided a safety net for riders involved in crashes or mechanical issues within the final 3 km of a race, ensuring they are awarded the same finish time as the group they were with at the time of the incident. Under the new regulations being tested, this safety net could be extended to 5 km, providing additional protection for riders during the most chaotic parts of a race.
Additionally, the UCI is experimenting with changes to how time gaps are measured in sprint finishes and the potential restriction on the use of race radios. Race radios have long been a contentious issue in cycling, with some arguing that they enhance safety by allowing for better communication. In contrast, others believe they detract from the spontaneity of racing. The UCI is testing the effects of limiting the use of earpieces in races, with the possibility that only two riders per team will be allowed to use them in the future.
The cycling community’s perspective
Introducing the yellow card system has elicited various responses from the cycling community. While some have welcomed the initiative as a necessary step towards improving safety, others have expressed concerns about its implementation and potential impact on race dynamics.
Anna van der Breggen, sports director of SD Worx-Protime, voiced her team’s surprise upon learning of Guarischi’s yellow card. Van der Breggen emphasised the importance of clear communication from race officials regarding the specific actions that led to the warning so that teams and riders can understand and avoid similar infractions in the future.
Riders’ union president Adam Hansen also weighed in on the new system, acknowledging that it reflects the feedback and concerns raised by riders in recent years. Hansen noted that the yellow card system, along with other measures, demonstrates the UCI’s responsiveness to the needs of the cycling community. Still, he also emphasised the importance of thorough testing and evaluation before any permanent adoption.
The future of the yellow card system
The UCI’s yellow card system is currently in a trial phase. Its effectiveness will be closely monitored across various races throughout the remainder of 2024. Feedback from these trials will be crucial in determining whether the system will be permanently adopted in 2025.
As with any new initiative, the success of the yellow card system will depend on its consistent and fair application and the willingness of all participants to embrace the changes. The UCI has indicated that it is open to refining the system based on real-world feedback, including adjusting the criteria for issuing yellow cards, the penalties associated with multiple infractions, and the overall communication process.
Moreover, the yellow card system is part of a broader conversation about balancing safety with the competitive nature of professional cycling. While safety is undoubtedly a priority, it is also essential that the measures implemented do not unduly interfere with the flow and excitement of the races. Indeed, striking this balance will be key to the long-term success of the yellow card system and other related initiatives.
