Cycling: This Wednesday morning, the cycling world is having a lively discussion about the Time penalty for Richie Porte after yesterday's stage of the Giro d'Italia. While most drivers express their sympathy, race director Vegni makes it clear that the jury simply had no other option. One or the other does not mince words...
Sir Dave Brailsford (Team Principal Team Sky): "Obviously it's disappointing that such a fair gesture, made in the heat of the moment, should be punished with such a harsh penalty. No one was trying to gain an unfair advantage here. However, we are now even more determined to fight for this race. Richie and the whole team are ready – the Giro is still a long time coming.”
Mauro Vegni (Giro Race Director): “Of course, as the Giro's race director, I have to say I'm sorry. It's an added burden for a rider who was hoping to do something big. However, that doesn't mean he couldn't still do it. But one thing is clear: there was no alternative to the actions of the jury, rules are rules and must be respected. It's about the credibility of the sport and in this case the credibility of the Giro d'Italia.”
Alberto Contador: "I'm sorry for Richie. If you have a defect at such a point in the race, you just want to lose as little time as possible. Your heart is racing and it’s easy to forget the rules.”
Simon Clarke (via Twitter): "I'm so sorry for Richie. Like most of us, I just wanted to help a good friend, I'm really sorry about the outcome."
Fabian Cancellara (via Twitter): “I thought that was real sportsmanship. I'm really sorry for Richie that he's now being punished for it."
David Millar (via Twitter): “When he helped Richie Porte today, Simon Clarke not only showed what sportmanship is, but that there is friendship in a race like this. That's cycling for me. It is embarrassing that the UCI have once again proved how far removed they are from the modern peloton. It doesn't get much more stupid than that. It would be time for Brian Cookson to demonstrate the leadership that cycling fans are hoping for.”
Jonathan Vaughters (Team Principal Cannondale-Garmin): "What does "bullshit" mean in Italian?"
Tom Dumoulin (via Twitter): "I hope this punishment is a late April Fool's joke???"
Leave a Comment