Parents should not fear their children won’t return from a race, says Lorena Wiebes, winner of stage one at the Tour of Britain Women in Cockermouth. Her victory came a week after the death of 19-year-old British cyclist Finlay Tarling, who died in a collision during the Volta a Portugal. Riders observed a minute’s applause and paid tribute to Tarling before the stage began.

Wiebes emphasized that no race is worth risking lives. Safety concerns have intensified across the sport, especially after incidents like the 2023 Tour of the Pyrenees abandonment, where riders cited unsafe road conditions. British rider Hayley Simmonds called for stricter safety mandates from the UCI, insisting organizers must prove roads are secure.

The UCI expressed condolences but has not commented further. The Tour of Britain uses rolling road closures managed by experienced teams and police. Former pro Hannah Barnes praised the event’s safety record while acknowledging the emotional weight riders carry.

This year marks the first time the women’s race features five stages, matching the men’s event. The final stage takes place on Sunday, 23 August.