Tour de France 2021: Full statement from the riders’s union after stage three crash controversy
The first sprint stage prompted a major backlash from the pros


The professional rider’s union has released a statement after the crash controversy on stage three of the Tour de France 2021.
Following a string of major crashes on the first sprint stage of this year’s Tour, there was a backlash from riders who raised concerns about safety out on the course.
The concerns from the riders centred around the technical high-speed finish in Pontivy, Brittany, as sprint trains fought for position with general classification squads on tight and winding roads, resulting in a number of significant crashes.
According to reports, riders had requested before the stage that the general classification race be neutralised 8km from the finish rather than the usual 3km cut-off, allowing GC teams to sit up and so the sprinters could fight for the stage victory, but the request was supposedly turned down.
On the morning of stage four, the professional riders’s union the CPA (Cyclistes Professionnels Associés), released a statement on behalf of the Tour peloton, saying riders wished to share their dissatisfaction with the safety measures in place on stage three.
The statement said: “Following the crashes during the third stage of the Tour de France, the riders have been discussing how they wish to proceed to show their dissatisfaction with safety measures in place and demand their concerns are taken seriously. Their frustration about foreseeable and preventable action is enormous.
“The riders wish to stress their respect for their sponsors, their sports groups, the organiser, their international institution. Supporters are very important to them – and this is why they will be riding today.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
A deleted tweet from the CPA immediately after the stage reveals the organisation wasn't initially so critical of the route, calling it a "compelling and dramatic final" as Tim Merlier (Alpecin-Fenix) won his first Tour stage.
CPA weren’t quite so critical, since deleted and amended 🙄 pic.twitter.com/Q3PibdUZHWJune 28, 2021
The peloton was expected to held a small protest at the start of stage four from Redon to Fougères, stopping for one minute at kilometre zero and taking the first 10km slowly.
According to the CPA, the peloton also wishes to set up a meeting with the UCI to adapt the 3km GC cut-off during stage races to avoid similar crash-riddled stages.
In response to stage three, UCI boss David Lappartient said the roads used on the course “were fine, a consistent width and with no traffic islands.”
Lappartient said the crashes were caused by rider error and were compounded by the high speeds because the stage finished at the bottom of a steep valley in Pontivy.
He said: “The majority of crashes are due to lack of attention, but I can understand, they are so stressed out all day.”
Full CPA statement to stage three safety concerns
Following the crashes during the third stage of the Tour de France, the riders have been discussing how they wish to proceed to show their dissatisfaction with safety measures in place and demand their concerns are taken seriously. Their frustration about foreseeable and preventable action is enormous.
The riders wish to stress their respect for their sponsors, their sports groups, the organiser, their international institution. Supporters are very important to them – and this is why they will be riding today.
In return, the riders of the Tour de France ask for the same respect – respect for their safety.
For this reason they are asking the UCI to setup discussions with all race stakeholders to adapt the 3 km rule during stage races. This could avoid circumstances such as those which occurred in yesterday's stage.
Through this course of action, the riders intend to show their understanding to all parties and to open up to a constructive dialogue rather than create difficulties for cycling and the fans. However, riders and CPA are determined to pursue changes for the safety and physical integrity of athletes. These changes are more necessary than ever.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Trek, State and Specialized raise bike prices while other brands limit US releases — Is this just the beginning?
As tariffs hit, the bike industry is forced to adapt, whether through price increases, limited releases, or a restructuring of supply chains
By Anne-Marije Rook
-
How I got my non-cyclist friend hooked on riding bikes — and how you can, too
With a little bit of gentle guidance, “bikes aren’t my thing” can turn into “when’s our next ride?”
By Marley Blonsky
-
Remco Evenepoel hails end of 'dark period' and announces racing return
Olympic champion says comeback from training crash has been 'the hardest battle of my life so far'
By Tom Thewlis
-
'We need to keep the biggest race in the sport free' - Petition calling for Tour de France to remain on free-to-air television reaches 10,000 signatures
As things stand, the Tour will be not be free to watch in 2026, but a petition is seeking to change the way it is categorised by the UK government
By Adam Becket
-
Could Caleb Ewan be Ineos Grenadiers' first Tour de France sprinter since Mark Cavendish? 'That's my goal'
"All I can do is try to win as much as possible and prove that I deserve to be there," says Australian
By Tom Davidson
-
Extra wildcard team approved for Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España
Number of teams to increase from 22 to 23 at men's Grand Tours
By Tom Davidson
-
Jonas Vingegaard out of Volta a Catalunya after Paris-Nice crash
Visma-Lease a Bike say two-time Tour de France winner needs more time to recover from wrist injury sustained in France last week
By Tom Thewlis
-
'We've all got a little bit extra in us this year' - Ineos Grenadiers recapture 'fighting spirit' with aggressive Paris-Nice display
British team continue to put tumultuous 2024 behind them with momentum and a new found mentality
By Tom Thewlis
-
Matteo Jorgenson aiming to 'set the bar higher' and target a Grand Tour after securing second Paris-Nice title
American explained that targeting a win in one of the sport's biggest three-week races was now the logical next step in his career
By Tom Thewlis
-
Matteo Jorgenson rules out Tour de France leadership after Jonas Vingegaard's withdrawal from Paris-Nice
The American is on the cusp of a second consecutive victory at the Race to the Sun
By Tom Thewlis