No accidents but clear offence. Credit: Jérémy-Günther-Heinz Jähnick / Creative Commons
Ten riders from the French professional team Groupama‑FDJ were fined €100 each on Thursday by Llíber’s local police after running a red light during a pre-season training ride. Officers acted after the cyclists crossed a section of road with the light in red, even entering the opposite lane on a narrow street in the town centre. This meant a total fine of €1,000 for the professional squad.
Geography and pre-season context
Llíber, located near Calpe, is a popular winter training destination for professional teams due to its mild climate and challenging roads. The affected stretch is controlled by traffic lights that alternate the flow of vehicles in a single direction, a necessary measure due to the road’s narrow width. Riders are expected to respect these signals at all times.
No accidents but clear offence
Sources close to the incident explained that traffic was light at the time and no accident occurred. Nevertheless, the riders’ manoeuvre constituted a breach of the Highway Code by crossing on a red light and moving in the temporarily opposite direction. Llíber police identified all ten cyclists and issued the fines in line with the law.
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Public reaction and social media response
The incident has sparked debate on social media, with opinions divided. Some local residents and road users praised the police action, insisting that all road users, including cyclists, must comply with regulations to ensure safety. Others criticised the signage or how traffic is managed in areas frequently used for training, arguing that rules can sometimes be applied too strictly where vehicle flow is low.
Not an isolated case
This is not an isolated incident. According to international cycling media, professional teams occasionally face stricter scrutiny during training rides outside races, with fines applied for offences such as using headphones or ignoring signals. Authorities appear increasingly focused on ensuring all road users comply with traffic laws, not just motor vehicles.
Importance of road sharing
Road safety experts emphasise that although professional cyclists ride at high speeds in groups, they are still bound by traffic laws. Observing traffic lights, junctions, and road signs not only reduces accident risks but also improves coexistence with local drivers, particularly in small towns with narrow roads and mixed traffic.
Response from Groupama‑FDJ
At the time of publication, Groupama‑FDJ had not released an official statement regarding the fines. On training tracking platforms such as Strava, some riders briefly commented on the incident, though posts have since been deleted, drawing further media attention to the case.
The Llíber incident highlights the importance of road safety for all users, including professional cyclists. While no serious consequences occurred, respecting traffic rules is crucial to prevent risk and foster a culture of responsible coexistence between athletes and residents.
Winter influx of cyclists adds pressure on local roads
During the pre-season period, towns like Llíber see a significant influx of professional and amateur cyclists taking advantage of the mild winter climate in the Marina Alta. This surge in cycling activity, often involving large groups training on narrow roads, can create congestion and occasional frustration for local drivers who must navigate alongside fast-moving pelotons. Residents have raised concerns about the limited visibility on bends and tight streets, which can make sharing the road safely more challenging.
Wildlife and road safety risks
In addition to the increased cycling traffic, the area is known for occasional wildlife crossings, particularly wild boars, which can appear suddenly on rural and urban roads. These unexpected encounters have led to several minor collisions in recent months, highlighting the combined risks for cyclists and motorists alike. Local authorities advise extra caution during training rides and peak cycling seasons to reduce the likelihood of accidents involving both vehicles and wildlife.