Helmets on the climb?
#1
Helmets on the climb?
I was watching the stage finish today and it dawned on me that the riders used to be able to take of their helmets on the last climb of the day if it was an uphill finish. When did that rule change and does anyone know why? I used to like seeing the riders toss their helmets away and climb without their lids.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A few, several now, years ago. During one of the years of Lance's run. Changed for safety and I think the image to the public. Hard to advocate recreational riders wearing helmets when in the biggest race of the year they're allowed to go without.
#3
Also FYI, in some cases a slow-speed crash can actually be more damaging than a high-speed one. For example, if you go off the bike at 50kph and slide, you'll just get some road rash. If you're going 10mph and go off the bike, you can land hard and directly on the asphalt, and get more damage.
Not sure how helmets has an effect on that situation, but it makes sense that if you're going to mandate helmets, might as well leave 'em on for the duration.
Not sure how helmets has an effect on that situation, but it makes sense that if you're going to mandate helmets, might as well leave 'em on for the duration.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: ATL
Posts: 583
Bikes: 2000 Trek 5200, 2007 Bianchi Pista
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#5
Senior Member
Also FYI, in some cases a slow-speed crash can actually be more damaging than a high-speed one. For example, if you go off the bike at 50kph and slide, you'll just get some road rash. If you're going 10mph and go off the bike, you can land hard and directly on the asphalt, and get more damage.
#7
out walking the earth
#8
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,475
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Liked 893 Times
in
458 Posts
I think removing the exception was motivated by a couple of things including, 1) safety and logistics of getting 189 helmets passed back to team cars, and 2) the appearence and the example it sets for amateurs, recreational cyclists.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Laramie Wyoming
Posts: 2,970
Bikes: Merlin Extralight Topolino Wheels Campy Record
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I believe your timing is off. Kivilev's death led to the UCI mandatory helmet rule. However for a couple of years thereafter, the riders could still take their helmet off on the final climb of the day if it was longer than 5 km. That exception went away in 2005. The removal of the exception was not related to Kivilev's death.
I think removing the exception was motivated by a couple of things including, 1) safety and logistics of getting 189 helmets passed back to team cars, and 2) the appearence and the example it sets for amateurs, recreational cyclists.
I think removing the exception was motivated by a couple of things including, 1) safety and logistics of getting 189 helmets passed back to team cars, and 2) the appearence and the example it sets for amateurs, recreational cyclists.
__________________
#11
It's MY mountain
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 10,027
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
Liked 3,234 Times
in
1,741 Posts
Windbreakers should be mandatory to wear at all times, none of this ridiculous taking them off when the wind dies down.
Anyway, the "last climb of the day" exception only lasted a couple years.
#12
I believe your timing is off. Kivilev's death led to the UCI mandatory helmet rule. However for a couple of years thereafter, the riders could still take their helmet off on the final climb of the day if it was longer than 5 km. That exception went away in 2005. The removal of the exception was not related to Kivilev's death.
I think removing the exception was motivated by a couple of things including, 1) safety and logistics of getting 189 helmets passed back to team cars, and 2) the appearence and the example it sets for amateurs, recreational cyclists.
I think removing the exception was motivated by a couple of things including, 1) safety and logistics of getting 189 helmets passed back to team cars, and 2) the appearence and the example it sets for amateurs, recreational cyclists.
I think one other factor with the removal of the exception was ever improving helmets. Early on they met strong resistance because they were hot. Going far enough back for serious racers helmets might do more harm than good. (Sweat in your eyes in hte middle of 100 otehr guys on a narrow raod going hard is not good). At the time of the exception helmets were not quite what they are now, still significant issues and a hard last climb was less painful without a helmet. By the time the exception was done away with riders did not care as much as helmets were far better.
#14
Oh, you know...
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DC
Posts: 2,834
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Sports Tourer (Polo), S-Works E5 Team Festina (Chorus 11), Trek 2200 Bonded Carbon (Fixed), Trek 920 (7 speed IGH), Chesini Olimpiade SL (1x7)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Gravity isn't the only thing that can accelerate your head towards the ground. Think centripetal.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 817
Bikes: Felt F5, Fuji Robaix Pro and a KHS Mountain Bike
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
To that point falls at faster speeds often result in skids and skidding is slow stop (acceleration/deceleration) and slower speeds you don't always skid and stop suddenly=bad.
#16
Senior Member
I was watching the stage finish today and it dawned on me that the riders used to be able to take of their helmets on the last climb of the day if it was an uphill finish. When did that rule change and does anyone know why? I used to like seeing the riders toss their helmets away and climb without their lids.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bruzer
Professional Cycling For the Fans
16
07-13-11 04:16 PM
worldtraveller
Professional Cycling For the Fans
6
07-04-11 06:01 PM