\n<\/blockquote>\nThe UCI? Not so impressed.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s a fine<\/h2>\n
Where the rest of the world saw athleticism, entertainment and humor, the UCI, unsurprisingly, saw a glaring violation of its labrynthian regulations.<\/p>\n
The problem? Dress code. With heat creeping into the 30s, and Poga\u010dar\u2019s speed making the hot seat feel a little hotter than usual, van der Poel stripped down the top half of his skinsuit while on camera. Which, fair enough. Not only was it warm, those things are optimised to fit in a very specific aero position. It\u2019s probably not that comfortable to lounge in. Especially not with more than 50 riders between van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the start list.<\/p>\n
The UCI was less than moved. Never one to miss an opportuinty for a fine, van der Poel\u2019s topless act was quickly rewarded with a 500 CHF fee for \u201cDamage to the image of the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Specifically, the rule van der Poel violated was 2.12.007 8.6. That is \u201cUnseemly or inappropriate behaviour (in particular undressing or urinating in public at the start or finish or during the race) and damage to the image of sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Waiting all day just to lose by 0.31 seconds sucks. Getting hit by a fine after, while it won\u2019t exactly make a dent in MvdP\u2019s personal finances, is just kicking him while he\u2019s down.<\/p>\n
Van der Poel wasn\u2019t the only one who found himself on the wrong end of the UCI rulebook on Saturday. Four teams were fined 500 CHF each for not checking their bikes in on time to be inspected by UCI officials (2.12.007 9.2, if you\u2019re wondering). Decathlon CMA CGM Team, EF Education-EasyPost, XDS Astana and Pinarello Q36.5 were all hit by that rule.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s a big fine<\/h2>\n
At least it wasn\u2019t a team time trial. At thd Dauphin\u00e9, Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 were fined a staggering 3,000 CHF for showing up late for the third stage TTT. That\u2019s 500 CHF per rider on the squad. Oof.<\/p>\n
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