"It would be more convenient if we started using something like drones" - Mollema calls for UCI to bring an end to camera bikes

Bauke Mollema has called upon race organisers and the UCI to prevent drafting by riders in the peloton by bringing in rule changes regarding camera bikes.

It is one of the biggest problems at the moment," says the Trek-Segafredo rider. “It affects stages and it happens too often. Sometimes it can even determine whether a leading group stays away or not. During the second stage in Valencia, the bike was five meters ahead of us on an uphill finish. You couldn't move. In Italy and Spain it seems worse than elsewhere and in my opinion the UCI is not doing enough to prevent the influence.'

This hasn't always been the case however and Mollema, a stalwart of the world tour peloton, has seen with his own eyes things deteriorate. “It has gotten worse in recent years, even though I pay a lot more attention to it now. Some scientific research has been done and it turned out that at a distance of thirty meters you already experience an aerodynamic advantage"

"At the moment the distance is usually fifteen metres," he continues. "Thirty to forty meters would be better. The images would be less for the fans at home but in the future it would be more convenient if we started using something like drones because the motors really influence the course too much.'