The cycling world is witnessing an alarming increase in accidents, as evidenced by the statistics from the UCI. This trend has affected Swiss cyclists, with Jan Christen breaking his collarbone for the second time in his career during the Milan-Sanremo race, and Marlen Reusser suffering a similar fate during the women's edition of the Flandern Rundfahrt. But is this a matter of bad luck, or is there more to it? According to Michael Schär, a former professional cyclist and now national coach for Swiss men's teams, the answer lies in a delicate balance between fate and skill. He attributes 51% of the blame to bad luck and 49% to a lack of skill. This realization has led to a proactive approach in training young cyclists, aiming to minimize the risk of accidents.
Schär emphasizes the importance of early training on mountain bikes, BMX, or cyclocross, which he believes helps develop reflexes and bike handling skills. He argues that a novice road cyclist might instinctively perform a full stop during a fall, which is not ideal. Instead, with more experience in bike handling, a cyclist can avoid panic, release the brakes, regain grip, and continue riding. This approach not only reduces the risk of accidents but also fosters a more confident and skilled rider.
The key to success, according to Schär, lies in a combination of early training and a shift in mindset. By encouraging young cyclists to embrace diverse riding experiences, the sport can foster a new generation of safer and more skilled riders. This strategy not only benefits individual cyclists but also contributes to the overall safety and development of the sport.
