The world cycling association UCI has sharply criticized the helicopter transport of several professionals after the seventh stage of the Giro d’Italia and announced penalties. The incident violated “the principles of fair play” and contradicted the intention to “reduce the carbon footprint”. After the first mountain finish of the Tour of Italy on the 2130 meter high Gran Sasso d’Italia, the riders were supposed to come back down to the valley on cable cars, which, according to the riders, could also be used by fans, service employees and the Giro escort. That’s why there was crowding and chaos at temperatures in the single digits. It was initially unclear which and how many drivers used the helicopters.
