The professional cyclists went high up in the snow and cold on the seventh stage of the Giro d’Italia.
Image: AP
The world association wants to punish teams that have driven cyclists by helicopter after a stage. He insists on equal opportunities and climate protection – and also reveals his hypocrisy.
Radsport is torture. Even when the summit is reached: media appointments, team meeting, meals, physiotherapy, travel to the next destination. It takes a while for the body to get the rest it needs to be fit again the next day for the next stage of the Giro d’Italia. The best possible regeneration increases the chances of success. And it costs money: According to team boss Patrick Lefevere, the Equipe Soudal Quick-Step paid 600 euros per person to take their drivers by helicopter on Friday after the 218-kilometer stage with more than 4000 meters of altitude from Capua to the Gran Sossa d’Italia let the valley fly.
The organizers actually intended the cable car. According to the drivers, however, this was not reserved for the pros, but could also be used by fans, service employees and the accompanying entourage, which led to crowds, waiting times at single-digit temperatures and a risk of infection with the corona virus, which is currently rampant and has already affected quite a few drivers ( most recently Filippo Ganna) out of the race. The alternative: by bike or car to the valley, which would have taken about an hour.
