The women’s rider union, CPA Women, has issued a call for a substantial review of the UCI’s SafeR safety initiative following a serious crash in the final kilometres of a stage at the Tour de Suisse Women. The incident, which saw Urška Žigart suffer a fractured jaw after riding over a bump at high speed, has reignited concerns about course safety and risk assessment in elite road races.

SafeR, launched in 2023, is a multi-stakeholder project aimed at improving road race safety by collaborating with race organizers to identify and mitigate course hazards, such as uneven surfaces or road furniture near finishes. In this latest incident, the presence of an unexpected bump in the final kilometre proved hazardous despite the initiative’s intentions.

Riders report that multiple crashes occurred in the run-in to the line, with Žigart sustaining the most severe injuries. This has prompted CPA Women to call for a thorough reassessment of how SafeR evaluates risk and communicates recommended changes—despite the initiative's existing framework, recent events show that dangerous features still appear unchecked.

The call for action is not only about retrospection but also prevention. CPA Women is urging the UCI and race organizers to enhance pre-race inspections, improve signage or physical modifications on risky terrain, and establish clearer protocols for rider feedback should hazardous conditions emerge during competition.

This incident underscores the tensions between competitive course design and rider safety. While challenging finales are part of what makes professional cycling thrilling, they must not come at the expense of rider well‑being. As racing continues through the season—including upcoming high-speed finishes and classic-style terrain—the adequacy of current safety measures remains in critical focus.