Mass Disqualification at U23 Giro d'Italia: 31 Cyclists Expelled for Clinging to Team Vehicles
Jun 15, 2023
In an unexpected turn of events, 31 cyclists have been ejected from the under-23 Giro d'Italia for dishonest practices during the fourth stage. Video footage from spectators revealed several competitors clutching onto team vehicles and motorcycles during the race's climax at the Passo dello Stelvio.
Groupama-FDJ's British cyclist, Noah Hobbs, was amongst the expelled riders. The disqualifications have had a significant impact on the eight-stage competition, also known as the 'Baby Giro', affecting 15 of the 35 participating teams.
After analyzing the video evidence, race officials initially disqualified 24 participants. This figure was later revised to 31. Notable among those penalized were Tijl de Decker, the leader of the Lotto-Dstny development team and victor of the Paris-Roubaix U23, as well as Davide Persico of Colpack-Ballan.
In a communique with BBC Sport, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the sport's global authority, voiced their "complete backing" for the event organizers' actions, affirming that the correct decision was made.
The controversial stage encompassed a 119km journey from Morbegno to Passo dello Stelvio. The victor of the stage was Johannes Staune-Mittet of Jumbo Vima, who edged out France's Alexy Faure-Prost, while Ireland's Darren Rafferty claimed third place.
