UCI updates its concussion protocol, introducing an online tool to help with diagnose

The UCI emphasizes the importance of adhering to its own concussion protocol in the run-up to the new cycling year. In a press release on its website, the International Cycling Union indicates that it has developed its own tool with which all those involved in a cycling race can quickly detect whether someone actually has a concussion.

To ensure full recovery of affected brain functions, a concussion must be detected, diagnosed and treated in time, the UCI indicates. That is why the UCI has used a protocol from international scientific bodies for its own tool. All information, such as specific characteristics of a concussion, that may be relevant during cycling races has been included.

"Diagnosing a concussion continues to require medical attention, but detecting the first signs of a concussion concerns everyone. Also people who do not work in healthcare, such as employees, mechanics, commissioners, officials or riders themselves," the UCI writes. "That is why an online tool has been developed that is available to everyone via a QR code."

Finally, the UCI underlines the importance of reporting all concussions to the UCI medical department. If the rider involved returns to the race, this must also be reported.

Last season, Taco van der Hoorn, Michal Kwiatkowski and Romain Bardet, among others, suffered a concussion during the race. Van der Hoorn has not raced since his fall at the Tour of Flanders. Kwiatkowski continued, but said afterwards that he never fully recovered after the concussion.