"You can't take that risk": Koeman slams lack of safety during Tour de France rides

Football icon Ronald Koeman didn’t hold back during a Tuesday appearance at the Tour de France, criticising the lax safety protocols after Team Visma | Lease a Bike's rest day ride.

Speaking on De Avondetappe, Koeman was disturbed by how closely casual cyclists mingled with the professionals. “There's so much money in cycling. People invest in nutrition, fitness, and data. And then some idiot who rides along as an amateur just bumps into Jonas Vingegaard.”

The Dutch national coach questioned why the race organizers allow such scenarios to happen at all. “You can't take that risk. They even want to take some pictures while cycling. I find it truly unbelievable that this is even allowed.”

While acknowledging the sport’s open nature, Koeman was concerned about the consequences. “I understand that cyclists should be accessible to the public, but they're just cycling through the city wheel-to-wheel with the Visma riders.”

His remarks pointed to a broader contradiction in the sport, where elite preparation meets a casual approach to safety. “Cycling is so professional in so many ways, but then you allow this to happen... It can be a major danger for riders. It's nice that they're so approachable, but a bit of safety and peace of mind are also important. After all, the riders have to deliver incredible performances during a Tour de France.”