The riders warned race organizers that they would take control of the peloton again and neutralize the race if they sensed danger, and 30 riders formed a representative group for the Tour de France (open in new tab) to lead a united peloton.

Dozens of riders crashed (open in new tab) on Saturday's opening stage around Nice (open in new tab) on roads made slippery by the first rains of late summer. Tony Martin (Jumbo Visma) waved his hands to neutralize the peloton before the final climb and descent of the Côte de Limies.

Since the race resumed, a number of crashes and dangerous accidents led to the riders deciding that they were responsible for their own safety and becoming more vocal. Many riders were shocked by Fabio Jacobsen's high-speed crash at the Tour de Pollogne (open in new tab) and Remco Evenpole's crash over a low wall at Il Lombardia (open in new tab).

While some athletes have criticized their CPA (Cyclistes Professionnels Associés) athletes' association, Belgium's Het Nieuwsblad reports that a group of 30 influential and respected athletes to exchange information and opinions formed an online chat group.

Riders participating in the chat include Luke Rowe (Ineos Grenadiers), Tejay van Garderen (EF Pro Team), Tony Martin (Jumbo Visma), Matteo Trentin (CCC Team), Yasper de Baisto ( Lotto Soudal), Oliver Naessen (AG2r La Mondiale), Daniel Oss (Bora-Hansgrohe), etc. CPA Tour de France representative Pascal Chantur, CPA President Gianni Buño and CPA Secretary General Laura Mora also participated in the chat

The group is also represented in the chat.

Pre-race discussions among the riders via the group seem to have created far greater unity and sparked solidarity on Saturday.

"What happened on Saturday was the strongest signal we riders could give," de Baist told Het Newsblad.

"It was time to take responsibility for our own safety. We did so on Saturday," Jasper Steiven said.

The group seems to have replaced the peloton's patronage. In the past, the race leaders of the Tour de France were often at the helm, leading protests and using their importance to represent the rest of the peloton. Now the racers are more united and unionized.

"This CPA group is better than one patron. All the teams are now responsible. Together they form one great patronage group," Trentin noted.

On Monday, the CPA issued a statement urging race organizers to do more to protect rider safety.

"The CPA has been working with the UCI on this issue for several months and would like to do the same with the organizers to jointly provide an effective and practical solution to this problem," the CPA statement read.

"We are pleased with the unified approach of the athletes competing in the Tour. As I always say, unity makes us stronger," Bunyo said.

"We want to cooperate with the other parties in a constructive and appropriate way, but if incidents like those of the past few days should occur again, we will be uncompromising and decisive."

Nyssen admitted that he is trying to balance the views of the riders and stop the abuse of solidarity.

"Every time there is a crash or an accident, there are always idiots who try their best to miss the race by going on strike the next day. That is really not constructive," Naesen told Het Nieuwsblad.

After the big crash of Thibaut Pinot (open in new tab) and David Gaudou on Saturday, the Groupama-FDJ riders demanded a slower pace, but it seems they had ulterior motives.

"Their agent sent me a request to make the second stage neutral and finish at an average speed of 30 km/h," Nessen revealed.

This suggestion was immediately swept off the digital table.

"I find it really unfortunate that they dared to ask for such a thing. That's not what this initiative is about," Steuben said.

"Of course, self-interest will always play a part," Nessen admitted.

"It was to Jumbo Visma's advantage that the stage was neutralized on Saturday. That way the leaders could finish safely, but if it is also advantageous for the other riders, then there is nothing wrong with that.

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