mats to ensure the descent to the Col de la Loze

This is one of the concerns surrounding this 2023 Tour de France. One month after Gino Mäder’s tragic death at the Tour de Suisse, and while many crashes punctuated the final race weekend, the safety of the riders on the descents is a real issue. . On Wednesday 19 July, on behalf of the 17th stage, protective mats used during ski races will be installed in the descent of the Col de la Loze.

A lasting experiment?

“The goal is to raise the level of safety as much as possible, bearing in mind that we cannot secure 3,500 kilometers twice, left and right of the road”explains André Bancala, coordinator of the assembly of departments of France. “We forbid ourselves certain climbs because the descent is too dangerous”, continues Thierry Gouvenou, in charge of the layout of the boxes. It remains to be seen whether this experimentation can become a permanent solution.