The UCI’s Disciplinary Commission has given Bahrain Victorious’ Filip Maciejuk a one-month suspension from competition for the part he played in a crash at this year’s Tour of Flanders.
At the April race, on the approach to the Oude Kwaremont, Maciejuk tried to move up the side of the peloton on the pavement when the path gave way to grass, on which the rider encountered a deep puddle and was thrown back onto the road into the peloton, bringing down a number of riders.
The 23 year-old Polish rider has been suspended for 30 days start on July 25 2023, beginning 114 days after the incident occurred.
“The Disciplinary Commission found the rider to have acted in breach of article 12.4.007 of the UCI Regulations for having caused the crash of several riders in the peloton after riding outside of the race course and through a puddle on the roadside,” the UCI said in a statement.
“The UCI is committed to continuing its work to make road cycling a safer sport for riders and reiterates that dangerous behaviour has no place in modern cycling. Therefore, the UCI issues a reminder that it is strictly prohibited for riders to use sidewalks, lanes or cycle paths that do not form part of the race course and that any breach of the rules of safety or care which causes immediate risk to others shall be subject to disciplinary action.”
The rider was disqualified mid-race at Tour of Flanders on April 2 and has gone on to race solidly since then, competing at the Giro di Sicilia, Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse.
“I’m really sorry for my mistake and causing the crash today,” read Maciejuk’s tweeted apology after being chucked out of De Ronde. “I hope all those involved are in good health and safe. This should not happen and was a big error in my judgement.”
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