Cycling: Elia Viviani won the start of the Gree Tour of Guangxi. The 34-year-old Italian had to defeat absolute top sprinters. Among others, he relegated Jonathan Milan and Sam Bennett to their places.
Viviani defeats the top sprinters
Turns at the end of the year Elia Viviani (Ineos Grenadiers) again at the age of 34. After his stage win in Croatia, the Italian now also won the start of the Gree Tour of Guangxi. In the mass sprint in Beihai, Viviani defeated after 135,6 kilometers jonathan milan (Bahrain – Victorious) and Sam Bennett (Bora – hansgrohe). Follow in the ranks behind Arnaud de Lie (Lotto – Dstny) and Olav Kooij (Jumbo – Visma). So Viviani has definitely defeated well-known competitors, which wasn't necessarily to be expected after his actually rather weak year.
Accusation of racism: Mihkels & Thijssen have to leave
The Gree Tour of Guangxi had to be canceled in recent years due to the coronavirus. After 2019 it can finally take place again. However, they are not there Madis Mihkels and Tanning Thijssen from the Intermarché – Circus – Wanty team. The Estonian and the Belgian were taken out of the race by their team before the start of the tour. The reason for this was a video that appeared on social media. Mihkels could be seen making a racist gesture. Thijssen filmed the event and uploaded it to the Internet. The team reacted and withdrew both drivers. Unfortunately, even Norwegians can because of illness Andreas Leknessund and the Australian Sam Welsford from the Dutch team dsm – I won't be there. The Gree Tour of Guangxi ends on Tuesday after six stages in Guilin.
Statement on Madis Mihkels pic.twitter.com/vnrN0ka5cZ
— Intermarche Circus Wanty (@IntermarcheCW) October 11, 2023
Elia Viviani s'est imposé au sprint on the 1ère étape du #TOG2023 #tourofguangxi devant Jonathan Milan and Sam Bennett pic.twitter.com/HtkfYKVDz1
— Les Rois du Peloton (@LRoisDuPeloton) October 12, 2023