Skil Shimano rider disapproves of race radio ban, cites safety problems
Johannes Fröhlinger had a decent start to the season with his new Skil Shimano team. He was 11th in the Trofeo Magalluf – Palmanova and 12th in the Trofeo Deia. His good launch of the race year 2011 was clouded by the race radio ban of the International Cycling Union, UCI.
Fröhlinger thinks that there are important problems to solve in cycling, without the need to add new ones. “This whole discussion is unnecessary,” he told Radsport News. “Cycling gets so many negative headlines, and with this discussion it is creating a new problem for itself.” Fröhlinger is in accordance with most riders on the subject matter. “The radio belongs to modern cycling and I see its ban as a step backwards. Which rule will follow next?”
The German disagrees with the UCI’s argumentation that the races are less exciting due to the remote controlling from the team cars. “The races in Mallorca were no different without the radio. I generally don’t think that the sport will drastically change or become more attractive.” He is mostly concerned about the safety of the riders. “Without radio, even crashes become more dangerous. The team cars have no chance to react earlier. In whose interest is it to decide races of the overall classification by virtue of defects?” Fröhlinger said.
While he is against the UCI’s decision, he doesn’t agree with the recent strike carried out by the peloton. “Unfortunately this only does damage. Organizers, spectators and also we riders are affected.” Fröhlinger was unable to predict if the ban will be reversed, despite the few supporters. “The rule was put in place despite the majority of teams and the absolute majority of the riders speaking against out the ban.”
The former Milram rider has well integrated into his new Dutch team and the start of the season was promising. “With a 12th and an 11th place I twice was close to a top ten. So there was not much lacking for the first, very good results. That’s a good foundation.”