Wiebes disqualified from Giro d'Italia Women after winning opening stage
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
May 31 : Lorena Wiebes was disqualified from the women's Giro d'Italia for a violation of bike weight regulations on Saturday, hours after winning the opening stage.
The Dutchwoman, who rides for SD Worx-Protime, won a bunch sprint to claim the leader's pink jersey, but it was awarded to second-placed Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek after the disqualification.
Race organisers said Wiebes had been "expelled from the Giro d’Italia Women following a breach of article 2.12.007 – 2.2: use of a bicycle not in compliance with the regulations, specifically failing to meet the minimum weight requirements".
In a statement, SD Worx-Protime said the disqualification was "exceptionally severe" and that they had no explanation for why the bike was found to be under the minimum weight.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
"Wiebes has ridden this bicycle on multiple occasions this season, always with the same setup. She achieved numerous victories on this bike," the team added.
"Moreover, earlier this year, the bicycle was weighed by UCI officials after several races in which Wiebes won sprint finishes convincingly. On each occasion, the bicycle's weight was found to be comfortably above the 6.8-kilogram limit.
"The team therefore does not understand how the very same bicycle could now suddenly be measured below the minimum weight requirement."
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app