April 1/25 0:13 am - No More Cowbells for Cyclo-cross?

Posted by Editoress on 04/1/25
 

April Fool's

The international animal rights organization PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] has demanded that the UCI ban cowbells from bike races, particularly cyclo-cross races, where they are a longstanding tradition.

"We believe that cowbells perpetuate the idea of cows as merely sources of food and property for humans," said spokesperson Alofa Manu. "The using of cowbells at human sporting events is an affront to the dignity of a fellow species."

The official response from the UCI was a carefully worded statement that explained that the organization had no control over the use of cowbells or other items used at sporting events unless they constituted a danger to athletes.

"We respect the beliefs of organizations such as PETA, and their efforts to work on behalf of others," read the statement. "However, the UCI has no jurisdiction or control over items used by spectators, unless they represent a danger to participants or spectators."