Peter Kennaugh says rules ‘out of control’ as riders fined by UCI for late sign on
The Brit has spoken out against the governing body after other riders were penalised

Peter Kennaugh has criticised ‘out of control’ rules after riders were fined for signing on late before stage three of the UAE Tour.
The Bora-Hansgrohe pro was speaking on behalf of riders from four other teams, who were all penalised for "failing to respect the order and the timing of signing the sign-on sheet."
A total of 27 riders from Katusha-Alpecin, UAE Team Emirates, Groupama-FDJ and Astana were all fined at the end of stage three for being late to the ceremony at the start of the day.
>>> Ben Swift posts photos of injuries from training crash as he is discharged from hospital
The riders were fined 500 Swiss Francs each (£377) and deducted 20 UCI points per rider, while their team mangers were charged 100 Swiss Francs (£754).
Kennaugh, whose team were not involved, told Cycling Weekly: “It’s out of control if you ask me.
"How can you set a rule that if you’re late for sign-on this happens. People in the UCI must not understand what’s involved in getting to a bike race.
"I’m stood here chatting to you, it wouldn’t be possible because I’d be worried about getting there on time.
“Do they want us to leave the hotel at 7am so we can get to the stage two hours before so we can then have time to get ready, talk to the press, talk to fans?
“It’s just another one of those rules that makes no sense.”
Riders fined include Marcel Kittel and Alex Dowsett from Katusha, Alexander Kristoff and Fernando Gaviria from UAE Team Emirates, and Gorka Izagirre from Astana.
Katusha were 34 minutes late to sign on, UAE 30 minutes, Groupama 21 minutes and Astana 14 minutes.
UCI rules state that race organisers can set the order for riders to sign a starting sheet before each stage.
>>> Riders face fines of up to £750 for throwing empty bidons
The signing on ceremony takes place one hour and 10 minutes before the start time for the stage, and will end 10 minutes before the race kicks off.
Stage three of the 2019 UAE Tour was a 179km run from UAE University to Jebel Hafeet.
Riders had a 172km transfer from their hotels in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi to the start line in Al Ain before the race.
Kennaugh added: “I understand you’ve got to sign on. But if you sign on within 10 minutes of the start like it usually is, that should be okay.
“It’s just hypocrisy.”
Thank you for reading 10 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
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer to ride Unbound Gravel
Unbound 200 contestants will be joined by a gravel newcomer of note this year. Former Tour de France race leader Jan Bakelants is joining in on the fray.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
POC Ventral Tempus MIPS Review - A helmet for riding in the rain, and being seen
Bright, light and comfortable, but not cheap
By Tyler Boucher • Published
-
CW Live: Julian Alaphilippe to begin season with Faun-Ardèche Classic; Caleb Ewan confirmed for Milan-San Remo; autopsy confirms impact with truck killed Davide Rebellin; Remco Evenepoel to start 2023 at Vuelta a San Juan and UAE Tour dates confirmed
All the need to know news in cycling on 21 December
By Tom Thewlis • Last updated
-
Pete Kennaugh: Dave Brailsford said to me, ‘trust me, normal life sucks’
The 32-year-old speaks on his struggles and how he is now plotting his return to the sport
By Jonny Long • Last updated
-
Former British champion Pete Kennaugh considering racing comeback: 'It's belonging, normality, freedom, this is who I am, purpose'
The Brit stepped away from the sport due to ongoing mental health issues
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Five things we learned from the 2021 UAE Tour
The peloton's youngsters shone once more
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
Caleb Ewan pips Sam Bennett to UAE Tour stage seven win as Tadej Pogačar seals overall
The Australian denied Bennett a third victory at the 2021 WorldTour opener
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Update: Adam Yates taken to hospital for precautionary checks after UAE Tour crash
Dani Martinez was forced to abandon with knee pain after being involved in the same crash
By Jonny Long • Published
-
‘I just tried to hang on’ - Chris Froome on finishing within two minutes of winner on UAE Tour mountain finish
Chris Froome said he “just tried to hang on” as he finished within two minutes of the leaders on the UAE Tour’s second summit finish.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Sam Bennett takes his second win in messy sprint finish on stage six of the UAE Tour 2021
Sam Bennett took his second win of the UAE Tour 2021 on stage six in chaotic finish into Palm Jumeirah while others were bumping and barging to try and get his wheel.
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published