Reaction to Merijn Zeeman's exclusion from Tour de France
Merijn Zeeman was present at the control of Primoz Roglic's bike after the 17th stage. A discussion arose with the UCI employee in question when the crankset of the bike was dismounted. The bike was damaged and the crankset had to be replaced afterwards.
The altercation that took place during that check gave the UCI a reason to sanction Merijn severely. Merijn made his apologies on the spot and, just like the team, regrets that the discussion became so heated. A scuffle or something similar has not taken place.
To be clear: the routine check showed that the bike of GC leader Roglic was in accordance with the regulations.
Zeeman: “I got upset when the commissioner dismounted the crankset from Primoz's bike. We stand for a fair sport and that includes checks, but that must be done in a reasonable way. Despite that, I should have kept myself cool and approached the UCI commissioner in a more respectful way.”
Merijn is allowed to remain part of the Tour de France team of Team Jumbo-Visma in France, but during the remaining three stages he will no longer perform official functions within the accredited aeras of the race.
