'We can always do more' – calls for improvements to road racing safety following the death of Finlay Tarling
Tour of Britain Women has "more resources than ever" to deal with safety, says race director Alice Wood
In the wake of the tragic death of 19-year-old British rider Finlay Tarling during the Volta a Portugal, race organizers and sports directors have called for increased safety measures across the UCI calendar. Lars Boom, Magnus Bäckstedt, and Alice Wood, who are all involved with the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, expressed their support for greater safety during a press conference at the beginning of the 2026 edition.
They acknowledged the complexity of regulating elite road racing globally, but insisted that "more can always be done" to improve rider safety. Bäckstedt, whose daughters are both WorldTour athletes, highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing safety concerns with the inherent risks of the sport. Meanwhile, Alice Wood, a former professional rider and now race director for the Tour of Britain Women, emphasized the need to protect dropped riders and ensure the safety of all participants.
British Cycling has increased its investment in marshalling and safety vehicles for both the women's and men's Tours of Britain this year. However, Boom pointed out the inconsistency in safety standards across different nations, noting that the UCI faces challenges in enforcing its regulations universally.
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