While Primož Roglič is heading for the overall triumph at the Tour de France, his sports team’s conflict with the commissioner of the International Cycling Union (UCI) caused a stir in his Jumbo-Visma team. After being expelled from the race, Merjin Zeeman accused him of destroying Roglič’s bike during the inspection.
“I got upset when he removed the cranks of Roglic’s wheel,” Zeeman said. “The bike was damaged and the cranks had to be replaced. In addition, the bike was in accordance with regulations,” said the team’s sports director. He subsequently apologized for his inappropriate behavior, intimidation and insult, which was the official reason for his expulsion.
“We want a fair sport that includes controls, but they must be carried out sensibly. Nevertheless, I should have behaved differently and treated the UCI commissioner with respect,” Zeeman added, who was fined. He may remain with the team, but may not perform his duties.
The UCI checks the bikes in stages for possible mechanical doping. Roglič leads three stages before the end of the Tour by almost a minute, today the 19th stage for spurtors is on the program before the key time trial.
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