Elia Viviani apologises for missing San Luis podium ceremony in 'rage'
Elia Viviani says he did not know if he could control himself after his teammate Jakub Mareczko beat him at the Tour de San Luis, which led him to miss the podium ceremony
Elia Viviani wasn't happy that his teammate Jakub Mareczko beat him to the win on the final stage of the Tour de San Luis - so angry that he rode straight back to the team hotel.
The pair were riding for the Italian national team in the race and Lampre-Merida's Mareczko was due to lead Team Sky's Viviani out in the sprint.
Instead, the pair went head-to-head, with Mareczko taking the win and the top step on the podium. Viviani didn't go to the presentation, he was so angry, but later apologised for his actions.
Taking to Twitter on Monday, Viviani explained that his decision was wrong, but he was not sure that he would be able to control himself on the podium.
“With a cool head, I apologise to all the fans, to the Tour de San Luis, and to the Italian Cycling Federation for my bad gesture,” he wrote.
“I wasn’t myself, I wasn’t expecting it and I was enraged and out of control. The decision I made was the wrong one, but I did it because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to control myself.
“That said, there will be people who think I don’t deserve the azzurra [Italian blue] jersey, but others who know how much I do for the azzurra jersey."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Viviani returns to Europe and Team Sky this week at Challenge Mallorca - a series of one-day races on the Spanish island between January 28-31.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Aleck Punks helmet speakers: a surprisingly good option for cycling safely with music
These wireless helmet speakers are a unique near-ear audio system that allows cyclists to play music or podcasts without sacrificing spatial awareness
By Samantha Nakata Published
-
Specialized Crux DSW Comp: race-ready US alloy featherweight vs British gravel
The aluminium Crux shares many of the benefits of the carbon model but at a more wallet-friendly price point
By Rachel Sokal Published
-
'From the moment I left the team, I had in my head that one day I would come back': Elia Viviani returns to Ineos Grenadiers after four years away
The Italian sprinter has racked up a long list of wins and achievements since leaving the British team at the end of 2017
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Elia Viviani: Everything clicked into place at Quick-Step Floors to take Down Under stage win
Italian sprinter Elia Viviani took his first victory for new team Quick-Step Floors at the Tour Down Under, after a few adjustments were made to his lead-out train
By Sophie Smith Published
-
Seven riders to watch at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne
The first sprinters Classic of the year is Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and here are the seven riders who could make the headlines on Sunday
By Stuart Clarke Published
-
Team Sky announce squads for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne
Team Sky announce the same squads to tackle Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne this weekend
By Stuart Clarke Published
-
Elia Viviani moves into Abu Dhabi Tour race lead after stage two victory
Team Sky sprinter Elia Viviani wins the second stage of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour - Tom Boonen and Theo Bos crash out - Paul Voss is disqualified - Photos by Graham Watson
By Nigel Wynn Published
-
Sky await news of Viviani injury after Scheldeprijs crash (video)
Belgian one-day race claims another victim in its infamous final straight
By Gregor Brown Published
-
Mark Cavendish mechanical blamed for Tirreno crash (video)
Mark Cavendish's Etixx-Quick-Step team insist an investigation will be carried out as to why the rider's chain slipped on the final sprint in Thursday's Tirreno-Adriatico stage
By Gregor Brown Published
-
Mark Cavendish talks through his Dubai Tour sprint (video)
By Nigel Wynn Published