The UCI has concluded Lorena Wiebes from the Giro d'Italia Women hours after the Dutchwoman had won the first stage. The reason: her bike was 20 grams below the minimum weight of 6.8 kg. The race organisers RCS Sport announced the disqualification on Saturday evening, citing article 2.12.007 - 2.2 of the regulations. Elisa Balsamo moved up to first place and started Sunday in the overall leader's pink jersey.
Lorena Wiebe's bike - doubts about the measuring method
SD Worx-Protime reacted to the decision with harsh criticism. Team manager Erwin Janssen announced to the Dutch broadcaster NOS that he would take legal action. "It will be difficult, but we can't just accept it," said Janssen according to Escapecollective. "It's ridiculous that Lorena is being excluded. This is causing us enormous damage." The team had expected the Dutchwoman to win several stages.
The measurement itself is at the centre of the criticism. According to Janssen, two weighings of the wheel showed a difference of more than 50 grams. "How is that possible? The first measurement was 70 grams below the permitted weight," he said, expressing his incomprehension. The team manager questioned the calibration of the scales. If the measuring device had previously been used at altitude, it would have to be recalibrated before being used at sea level in Ravenna. "That did not happen, as we have heard," said Janssen.
Own measurement shows a different result
SD Worx-Protime carried out its own weight check after the race. "We measured over 6.83 kilograms ourselves after the finish. But that was indoors, without wind, with our own equipment," Janssen told NOS. The team published a statement in which it expressed its "astonishment at the UCI's decision". The difference between the measured weight of 6.78 kg and the prescribed minimum of 6.8 kg corresponds to 0.3 per cent.
Wiebes used the bike in question throughout the season with an identical setup. At several races, which she finished with clear sprint victories, UCI officials inspected the bike. "On each occasion, the weight of the bike was well over the 6.8-kilogram limit," the team said, according to Velo. "The team therefore does not understand how exactly the same bike could now suddenly be measured under the minimum weight."
Punishment for Lorena Wiebes disproportionate
The first stage of the Giro d'Italia Women covered 139 kilometres with only 240 metres of climbing. On the almost flat profile, a weight saving of 20 grams does not bring any measurable advantage. Lorena Wiebes crossed the finish line with a water bottle on her bike, which weighs around 80 grams. "In a flat sprint stage, a small weight reduction offers practically no advantage compared to a mountain stage," argued SD Worx-Protime according to Velo. "This is especially true for a rider like Wiebes, who won the sprint in Ravenna by three bike lengths."
The team criticised the severity of the sanction. Instead of a relegation from the stage classification or a fine, the UCI jury decided to exclude Wiebes from the race completely. Sporting director Danny Stam reported that Wiebes had already returned to the Netherlands. "Lorena has already travelled home," said Stam according to Cyclingmagazine. "We came here with the goal of winning three or four stages, which I think is realistic. If you are excluded from the Giro in this way, it is very painful."
Legal consequences announced
Janssen announced that he would make the UCI pay for any damages incurred. "We will do everything we can, including legally," he said, according to Escapecollective. "But they are adamant. It will be their statement against ours. They will receive a letter from us that we will sue them for the damages they have suffered." SD Worx-Protime is preparing a letter claiming damages from the world governing body, according to Cyclingmagazine. Whether the team will take the case to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) remains to be seen. In any case, the Tour of Italy is over prematurely for Lorena Wiebes.
Leon Weidner
Working student
