Despite being placed on the other side of the equation for most of his professional career, Michele Acquarone wisely comments on happenings in the world of cycling since he was released from his job at the RCS. Using the latest stage cancellation at the Tour of Oman as an example, the former Giro d'Italia race director insists that riders should be given a bigger influence on decision-making process when their own safely is being discussed.

The money speaks in cycling just like in any other business, and Acquarone explains that it is a main reason for riders being forced by organizers to race in inhuman conditions.

“Today race organizers have too much power. It must be regulated, at least in [WorldTour] races,” he told VeloNews.

“Organizers get revenues from sponsorship and media rights, they get revenues from institutions and revenues from spectators — merchandising, food and beverage. Any cancellation or change to the original plan is a big deal. It opens the door to disputes and threatens parts of the revenues. But if we clearly define safety rules about weather it will become easier to write contracts and communicate with insurance companies.”

The former Giro d'Italia director claims that setting well defined rules in case of adverse weather conditions and drawing safer parcours would be an obvious first step in achieving that goal. Creating a three-person „weather commision” consisting of one representative each from the jury, the organizer, and the riders should follow.

“I’m sure it is essential to minimize the uncertainty,” he said. “Pro cycling must have clear rules and control bodies to respect them.”

Acquarone turns down suggestion that riders are currently softer than they were in a past, made also by Eddy Merckx – now the race organizer – when the Tour of Oman fifth stage was cancelled.

“I do not accept that somebody says that compared to the past, today riders are softer. If there is a category of athletes [that is] really tough and prone to the risk, it is the cyclists,” he said.

“I saw them fall and bloody get up. I saw Cav pass the finish-line with torn clothes carrying his bike on his shoulders. I saw [Taylor] Phinney getting on the podium straight from the ambulance. I saw them riding in the rain, in the snow, in the wind and in the blazing sun. Riders would always ride, they are not afraid of anything. They are everything but soft.”