See ya, cyclist
Team Sky rider Gianni Moscon has been expelled from the 2018 Tour de France after TV images showed him throwing a punch at Elie Gesbert, a rider from the Fortuneo-Samsic team.
Per Cycling News, race officials and Team Sky reviewed footage of the incident after the conclusion of Sunday’s stage. News of his disqualification became official later in the evening.
According to the report, Tour de France officials used an article in the UCI regulations to come to their decision, citing “acts of violence among riders.”
In a statement, Sky’s team principal, Sir Dave Brailsford, said they will handle the matter after the Tour.
“Gianni is desperately disappointed in his behavior and knows that he has let himself, the Team and the race down,” Brailsford said.
“We will address this incident with Gianni once the Tour is complete and decide then if any further action should be taken.
“I would like to offer my sincere apologies to both Elie Gesbert and Team Fortuneo Samsic for this unacceptable incident.”
Video footage showed Moscon turn and strike a blow in the direction of Gesbert as the two rode in the peloton. The incident happened during Sunday’s Stage 15 from Millau to Carcassonne, where the riders will enjoy a rest day today.
Controversy has plagued Moscon, 24, throughout his short career. As explained by Cycling News, he was suspended by Team Sky for six weeks last year following an incident involving Kevin Reza. He admitted to racially abusing the Frenchman during a stage of the Tour de Romandie.
He also was accused of deliberately crashing Sebastien Reichenbach during a race, although the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence. Per Cycling News, Sky previously warned Moscon his conduct needs to change.
“Gianni knows that there is no excuse for his behavior and that any repeat will result in termination of his contract,” Sky said.
Moscon has long been regarded as one of cycling’s top young talents as a fantastic allrounder who can shine in the oneday classics in spring and play a role in the Grand Tours.