Teams Withdrawn Due to Conflict Over GPS Trackers

• Thirty cyclists were excluded from the Tour de Romandie due to a dispute regarding trackers.
• The UCI is pushing for the use of GPS trackers to improve the safety of female cyclists.
• Teams are protesting against UCI's discriminatory requirements for selecting female cyclists.

The women's Tour de Romandie started in Switzerland, however, five teams and thirty cyclists were excluded from the race due to a dispute with the International Cycling Union (UCI) regarding the use of GPS trackers. Among the excluded athletes is the reigning champion of the Tour de France 2024, Katarzhina Nevyadoma.

The UCI requires that each team selects one female cyclist to carry the GPS tracker before the introduction of this technology at the world championship in Rwanda next month. The teams refused to do this and were marked as non-participants on the official race website.

The UCI commented on the situation, stating that the withdrawn team poses a threat to the safety of female cyclists. The organization asserts that some teams are working on alternative tracking technology.

Teams in a joint statement expressed support for safety measures, but emphasized that UCI's methods are discriminatory. They believe that forcing the selection of one female cyclist for the use of the tracker is discriminatory.

The UCI plans to explore possible further actions in response to this situation.

It is worth noting that last year at the world championship in Switzerland, a tragedy occurred when 18-year-old cyclist Muiriel Furrier died as a result of a fall, which underscores the importance of introducing new technologies for the safety of female athletes.

Tags: Sport