Cycling: falls and injuries are (unfortunately) as much a part of Paris-Roubaix as a saddle is to a bicycle. But the fall and injury of Movistar professional Francisco Ventoso caused a lot of excitement: the Spaniard suffered a deep cut on his fibula when he came into contact with a brake disc, which had to be operated on. The incident gives new fodder to the disc brake discussion after a period of silence over the past few weeks.
Judging by the sometimes heated discussions after the UCI's decision last year to officially allow disc brakes from 2016, things have been extremely quiet on the subject in recent weeks. Only a few teams are already using the new braking system - only the Dutch second division team Roompot Oranje Peloton has completely banned rim brakes from its wheels. Last weekend at Paris – Roubaix, the Lampre-Merida and Direct Energie teams used disc brakes. According to the Spanish newspaper el Periodico, one of these bikes caused a serious injury to Movistar pro Francisco Ventoso, who cut his lower leg to the bone when he fell on a brake disc of another bike.
Apunto de entrar a quirófano para arreglar la carrocería. Gracias a todos por los ánimos. Y a @Rmedinaabascal x photo pic.twitter.com/9ty3O4arSb
— Fran Ventoso (@franventoso) 11 April 2016
"The cut was so deep the paramedics could see Francisco's bones," Movistar sports director Chente García Acosta is quoted as saying by the Spanish newspaper. In windy conditions and greasy road conditions, there was a fall in which not only Ventoso, but also a Direct Energie professional fell directly in front of him. Ventoso had an unfortunate fall on the still spinning brake disc on the Direct Energie team bike, which cut through the skin and muscles like a knife to the bone.
Understandably, this incident has fueled the discussions about disc brakes again: Many drivers and those responsible had warned of these dangers before the introduction – these skeptics should now see themselves confirmed. Joaquim Rodriguez has already vented his anger on Twitter, albeit in a rather humorous way:
Lo triste de esto es que seguro que no va mal el freno de disco, pero por qué no lo protegen??? animation @franventosopic.twitter.com/9E4WRkOiDC
— Joaquim Rodriguez (@PuritoRodriguez) 12 April 2016
The Katusha Pro asks: "The sad thing is that disc brakes aren't necessarily bad, but why not protect them?" and thus alludes to the demand of many drivers to protect the sharp-edged brake discs with special covers.
Incidentally, Movistar professional Ventoso has already had a successful operation and is on the mend. However, the discussions about his fall and the consequences are likely to continue for a while.