Storylines
Storylines
CBC
Competitive cycling grapples with dangerous crashes
24 minutes Posted Oct 2, 2026 at 8:10 pm.
0:00
24:28
Download MP3
Show notes

Competitive cycling is a dangerous sport. Crashes are common. Even deadly. Just this year, at least 11 riders have died during races or training rides. 


The end of September was a big week for elite cycling in Canada, with Montreal hosting the road world championships. Competitors were laser focused on two things: having the races of their lives, and not getting hurt. 


At a time when the sport is getting faster and faster … the winner of the Tour de France now averages about 42 kilometres per hour over the entire race …  some competitive cyclists say there is an urgent need to better protect riders.


John Chipman investigates the problem, and the legacy of one crash in particular.