Former British road race champion Peter Kennaugh (Team Sky) and 55 other riders were fined 100 Swiss francs each yesterday as they crossed the finish line of stage three of Tour of the Alps.
The stage was won by the Manxman’s colleague Geraint Thomas, who powered to victory with Mikel Landa in tow to give Team Sky a 1-2 victory and propelled himself to the top of the general classification.
UCI made some big bucks yesterday at #TotA – 56 riders fine 100 Swiss for not showing race number. pic.twitter.com/DbPEFlFehS
— Rob Hatch (@robhatchtv) April 20, 2017
The UCI fined the riders citing article 12.1.040.5 that stipulates that a rider must show their race number or frame number.
However, a Tour of the Alps which has seen stages shortened due to extensive snowfall has also meant that riders have been riding stages in jackets covereing their numbers, with the temperature at yesterday’s summit finish hovering around 1ºC.
Meanwhile some Twitter users questioned how the commissaires managed to distinguish the riders in the first place
@robhatchtv erm, how did they identify them in the first place then…?
— RobertvWilligenburg (@rovanwil) April 20, 2017
Amounting to 5600 Swiss francs (£4388), the total fine will take a considerable chunk of the prize money won by many teams during the five day race.
