“We have not received any negative reactions” - ASO quickly shut down Jonas Vingegaard's criticisms of Paris-Nice safety

Race organiser Amaury Sport Organisation has responded to recent safety criticisms from Jonas Vingegaard at the 2026 edition of Paris-Nice, insisting that no complaints had been raised through the race’s official channels.

The Danish rider, who is racing with Team Visma | Lease a Bike, had previously questioned the suitability of the course after the opening stage of the race, highlighting concerns about road conditions and the technical nature of the route.

However, when asked to respond to those remarks, ASO rejected the suggestion that the race had drawn wider criticism from riders.

“We work closely with the CPA (the riders’ union), with the three rider representatives appointed by the CPA for Paris-Nice and with the members of the commission. We have not received any negative reactions.”, with the commission referring to the SafeR project - the new joint safety initiative by UCI, ASO, and teams, which became fully operational in 2025/2026.

In comments reported by Wielerflits from initial Danish media sources, race organisers initially declined to comment when approached about the criticism before issuing the short statement the following day.

In their response, ASO emphasised the role of the official structures that oversee rider feedback at WorldTour events, including cooperation with the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés and designated rider representatives within the race.

By pointing to those channels, the organiser suggested that concerns about the race’s safety had not been formally raised through the established mechanisms used to communicate with riders and teams.

Vingegaard’s earlier comments had sparked discussion around the design of the opening stage and the technical roads used during the finale.

Safety has become an increasingly prominent topic within the professional peloton in recent years, with riders and teams frequently raising concerns about course design, road furniture and technical finishes at major races.

While ASO’s response suggests that organisers have not received formal complaints through official channels, the exchange highlights how issues surrounding rider safety continue to generate debate within the sport.

Vingegaard’s decision to speak out publicly rather than through formal channels highlights a growing frustration among the peloton's elite. While ASO points to the CPA representatives, the fact that a two-time Tour de France winner feels his concerns are only heard via the media suggests a breakdown in the very 'official channels' ASO is defending. As the 2026 season progresses, this incident may catalyze a move for more direct rider-to-organizer communication, bypassing the bureaucratic layers of the union.