Mauro Vegni, the 66-year-old course director and cycling organizer for Strade Bianche, is facing scrutiny following a series of crashes during the recent race. The Italian official is addressing concerns about the event’s safety after several prominent cyclists, including Michal Kwiatkowski, Kasia Niewiadomy, and Tadej Pogacar, experienced falls on the challenging gravel sections. The debate centers on whether the addition of an extra loop to the course has made the race excessively difficult and hazardous, prompting Vegni to offer explanations for the challenging conditions.

The prestigious Strade Bianche, known for its stunning scenery and demanding gravel roads, has long been a highlight on the cycling calendar. Though, the 2025 edition was marred by a higher-than-usual number of crashes, leading to questions about the race’s safety and the factors contributing to the incidents. Vegni’s response aims to address these concerns and provide context for the events that unfolded.

Gravel Conditions and Rider Mentality Under Scrutiny

Vegni acknowledged the increased number of incidents, stating, “there are indeed more cases than in other editions.” He attributed the rise in crashes to the specific conditions of the gravel roads, explaining, “That is due to the state of the gravel. this time it was very dry and dusty, and that did indeed make it more dangerous.” The dry, dusty conditions created a slippery surface, considerably increasing the risk of falls for riders navigating the course’s challenging terrain.

The nature of gravel racing inherently involves a degree of risk, with riders navigating loose surfaces and technical sections. However, the particularly dry and dusty conditions experienced during the 2025 strade Bianche amplified these risks, making it more difficult for riders to maintain control and avoid crashes. The lack of moisture meant the gravel was less compact, leading to a loss of traction and increased instability.

Despite the increased incidents, Vegni maintains that the race itself is not inherently too dangerous for skilled cyclists. “This competition is not too heavy or too dangerous. At least not for real riders. Regrettably, there are not many,” he stated, suggesting a perceived lack of resilience among some contemporary riders. This comment has sparked further debate, with some arguing that it places undue blame on the riders while overlooking potential issues with course design and safety measures.

Vegni also pointed to a shift in rider behaviour as a contributing factor to the safety concerns.He argues that the collective responsibility and communication among riders have diminished over time, potentially leading to increased risk-taking and a higher likelihood of crashes.

“It also has to do with the mentality of the riders,” Vegni said, elaborating on the current state of the peloton. “The peloton used to have a moral code. If there was a danger, they notified each other. I note that riders no longer want to make the effort to warn each other. The institution has changed fully.”

The concept of a “moral code” within the peloton is a long-standing tradition in cycling, where riders would often work together to ensure the safety of the group.this could involve warning each other about hazards on the road, providing assistance in case of mechanical issues, or simply maintaining a safe distance from one another. Vegni’s assertion that this code is fading raises concerns about the potential consequences for rider safety.

Vegni draws a parallel with Formula 1, suggesting that instead of reducing speed, the focus should be on improving course safety measures. This approach emphasizes the importance of mitigating risks through careful planning and implementation of safety protocols, rather than simply slowing down the race.

“We are a sport that revolves around speed. Has Formula 1 reduced the speed of the cars to two hundred kilometers per hour, while they can drive three hundred? No! They have done other things, whatever we should do in the course.”

Formula 1 has made significant strides in improving safety over the years, implementing measures such as improved track design, enhanced safety barriers, and stricter regulations for car construction. These efforts have dramatically reduced the risk of serious injury or death in the sport, demonstrating the effectiveness of a extensive approach to safety.

Vegni addresses Absence of Key Riders

The absence of prominent cyclists like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel from the Strade Bianche lineup also drew attention. Vegni responded to suggestions that their absence indicated concerns about the race’s increased difficulty.

“Pogacar was there, I didn’t need more,” Vegni responded, perhaps alluding to the presence of a star attraction mitigating the absence of others. Tadej Pogacar’s participation undoubtedly added excitement to the race, but the absence of other top riders raised questions about the factors influencing their decisions.

Vegni further commented on the reasons behind their absence, stating, “If wout and Mathieu realy stay away as the race has become longer or heavier, than I want to think about it. But everyone knows that this is not the reason.” This suggests Vegni believes other factors, unrelated to the course’s difficulty, influenced their decision not to participate. These factors could include scheduling conflicts, training priorities, or personal preferences.

The absence of key riders can impact the overall competitiveness and appeal of a race, potentially affecting viewership and sponsorship opportunities. Understanding the reasons behind these absences is crucial for organizers seeking to attract top talent and maintain the event’s prestige.