The International Cycling Union (UCI) has issued a statement a few hours ago in which denounces the use of a helicopter by Remco Evenepoel and his Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team (without referring directly to them) after the final of the seventh stage of the Giro d’Italia, between Capua and Gran Sasso d’Italia. It was also used by Team Bahrain Victorious and by at least two other teams. They shared a photo on social media. The body sees it as a “total lack of sporting equity” in the face of the other cyclists in the race.
Remco Evenepoel and his team flew in by helicopter from the finish line of Gran Sasso-Campo Imperatore to your hotel for reduce travel time and have more time to rest. This is a clear advantage over the other riders in the competition. The cyclists shared an image of the trip on social networks, and the International Cycling Union did not like this gesture at all.
The UCI issued an official statement this morning in which denounces the use of the helicopter and defines it as a “total lack of sports equity”. “The UCI points out that some cyclists used the helicopter to leave the finish area after the end of the seventh stage of the Giro d’Italia, between Capua and Gran Sasso d’Italia. This constitutes an advantage that goes against the principles of fair play and regulatory provisions to guarantee equal treatment in the transfer of teams to their hotels. Also, the use of a transport helicopter by some cyclists for this purpose goes against the principle of reducing the carbon footprintas established in the specifications of the UCI WorldTour organizer. The UCI will take the necessary measures and sanctions to ensure that such a practice does not occur in the future. The UCI strongly condemns this behavior that goes against the principles of fair play and equity, fundamental values of the sport.”