Watch: Katusha-Alpecin staff suspended after emptying septic tank in lay-by at Tour of California

Staff members filmed trying to wash away mess with hose

Two Katusha-Alpecin staff members have been suspended after being filmed emptying a septic tank at the side of the road after stage six of the Tour of California.

The footage, posted online by YouTube user Ryan Patrick Early, shows the two staff members emptying the septic tank of their camper van in a lay-by by the side of California State Highway 330, attempting to wash the contents away using a hose.

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A spokesperson for the race said that it would be consulting with the UCI over what sanctions would be appropriate.

In its guide for race organisers, the UCI states that "the inappropriate management of harmful environmental effects relating to the organization of a cycling event may not only severely damage the reputation of the event itself but can also be detrimental to the sport of cycling in general", although there are no specific guidelines relating to incidents of this kind.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.