Over 30 cyclists participating in the under-23 Giro d’Italia have been disqualified due to their violation of race rules. The disqualifications occurred as cameras captured the riders holding onto team cars and motorbikes while climbing the steep Passo dello Stelvio, a notorious stage of the race. After reviewing videos recorded by fans, the race jury initially disqualified 24 cyclists. However, after further review on Thursday morning, an additional seven riders were also disqualified.
Wednesday’s fourth leg of the race was considered the “queen stage” and featured the challenging ascent of the Stelvio. Fans gathered along the climb and recorded the riders breaking the rules, with some even chatting and laughing as they clung to the vehicles. The disqualified riders included 24 Italians and seven foreign cyclists, including Belgian cyclist Tijl De Decker, the winner of this year’s Paris-Roubaix Under 23. Additionally, four team staff members and their cars were excluded from the race.
Italian Cycling Federation President Cordiano Dagnoni expressed his disappointment and described the behavior captured in the videos as offensive and detrimental to the sport. The riders and teams may face further punishment from the federation or the International Cycling Union.
The ASD GC Sissio team had four of its five riders disqualified, while Italian teams Ciclistica Rostese and Technipes each lost three riders. Dagnoni, in light of the riders’ conduct, stated that he no longer felt inclined to recommend inviting Italian teams in the future, leaving the decision to race organizers RCS Sport.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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