You’ve probably seen it in a pro race many times. A rider will get a perfect leadout and take the win—with a teammate just behind in the pack throwing their arms in the air as they see their sprinter win.
It’s a symbol of the teamwork inherent in cycling, reflecting the elation of a job well done by a group of riders who have executed their plan flawlessly.
However, starting in 2025, the UCI will introduce new rules to curb such celebrations in the peloton for safety reasons. The governing body aims to reduce risks by prohibiting celebratory actions within the sprinting group. According to the UCI, riders raising their hands in triumph can slow down and potentially cause crashes, although it is unclear how frequently this has actually happened.
Yellow and red card system now permanent
Violators will face penalties, including fines ranging from 100 to 500 Swiss Francs, and could also receive a yellow card. The yellow card is part of the UCI’s new penalty system, modelled after soccer.
In June, the UCI introduced a new approach to rider safety. This initiative, initially proposed earlier in 2024, took effect on Aug. 1 and remaiened in place until Dec. 1 for both men’s and women’s races. In August, Barbara Guarischi became the first professional cyclist to receive a yellow card. During the sprint of Stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes, she removed her hands from the handlebars while still in the pack. The UCI cited her for “improper conduct that endangers others in the final sprint,” under Article 2.12.007.8.2-1.
Ben O’Connor deletes account after 4 teammates get yellow cards
“These yellow cards will represent a sanction but will not be physically issued. They will, however, be listed in the race communiqué published after the finish,” the statement read. “This initiative will have a dissuasive effect on anyone present in the race convoy (riders, sports directors, other drivers, and motorbike riders, etc.) who might engage in behaviour that could jeopardize the safety of the event. In addition, the system will aim to make all these people more responsible by introducing the monitoring of bad conduct over time and consequently encouraging respectful behaviour.”
A variety of offences
The trial period is over, however, and it will become a permanent fixture in pro cycling.
There are 21 different incidents listed, with a variety of offences, including improper disposal of water bottles. Race commissaires will be able to issue…
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