UCI Mandates GPS Trackers for Enhanced Rider Safety in Professional Cycling

March 21, 2026 – In a significant move aimed at bolstering rider safety, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) will require all professional cyclists to use GPS trackers during competition. The decision, announced this week, follows growing concerns within the sport, particularly after the tragic death of Swiss rider Muriel Furrer and represents a phased implementation across all racing categories.

The UCI’s push for mandatory GPS tracking isn’t entirely new. Discussions around improving safety measures in professional cycling have intensified in recent years, and the UCI had previously tested the technology during events like the 2023 Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, in collaboration with Swiss Timing. Still, this latest announcement signifies a firm commitment to widespread adoption, moving beyond testing to a binding requirement for all riders.

A Response to Growing Safety Concerns

The impetus for this change stems directly from a desire to better understand and mitigate risks faced by cyclists. The death of Muriel Furrer reignited the debate surrounding safety protocols, prompting the UCI to accelerate its efforts to implement preventative measures. GPS tracking offers a way to analyze rider positioning, speed, and potential hazards in real-time, providing valuable data for race organizers, teams, and officials.

According to a letter from UCI President David Lappartient, reviewed by Sporza, the implementation will be “mandatory and phased in across different categories.” This phased approach allows teams and organizers time to adapt to the new requirements and ensure seamless integration of the technology. Teams have until April 30th to submit proposals outlining their GPS tracking solutions, provided they adhere to UCI guidelines.

How the System Will Perform

The UCI isn’t mandating a single, centralized GPS tracking system. Instead, teams are permitted to collaborate with their existing GPS providers, offering flexibility while maintaining oversight. So teams already working with companies like Velon, which developed an advanced GPS-based safety tracking system in 2025, can continue to utilize their preferred technology. However, all systems must meet the UCI’s technical specifications to ensure data consistency and reliability.

Velon, in a statement responding to the UCI’s announcement, expressed its eagerness to collaborate and further expand its system, particularly as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) modeling become available. This suggests a future where GPS tracking data could be used to proactively identify and address potential safety risks before they escalate.

What This Means for Racing

The introduction of mandatory GPS trackers is expected to have several key impacts on professional cycling. Firstly, it will provide race officials with a more comprehensive understanding of on-course dynamics, allowing for quicker and more informed responses to incidents. Secondly, the data collected can be used to analyze crash patterns and identify areas where course design or safety protocols need improvement.

Beyond immediate safety benefits, GPS tracking also opens up possibilities for enhanced race broadcasting and fan engagement. Real-time rider positioning data can be integrated into live broadcasts, providing viewers with a more immersive and informative experience. The data can be used to create compelling post-race analysis, highlighting key moments and tactical decisions.

The Tour of Switzerland experimented with GPS tracking during both its men’s and women’s races last year, providing the UCI with valuable insights into the practical implementation of the technology. While the initial rollout wasn’t without its challenges, the UCI is confident that the benefits outweigh the logistical hurdles.

Looking Ahead

The UCI’s decision to mandate GPS trackers represents a proactive step towards creating a safer and more transparent environment for professional cyclists. While the technology isn’t a panacea for all the risks inherent in the sport, it provides a valuable tool for mitigating those risks and improving overall safety standards.

The next key date for teams is April 30th, the deadline for submitting GPS tracking proposals. Following that, the UCI will review the proposals and finalize the implementation plan, paving the way for the widespread adoption of GPS tracking in professional cycling. Fans can expect to see the technology in action during upcoming races, with the potential for a significant impact on how the sport is both raced and viewed.

The UCI’s commitment to rider safety, coupled with the advancements in GPS technology, signals a new era for professional cycling – one where data-driven insights play a crucial role in protecting the athletes and enhancing the spectacle of the sport.