Rohan Dennis
departed the Tour de France on the eve of the Pau TT, his big chance of a stage
win, after a dispute with his Bahrain Merida team.
It has
emerged since then the Australian has had several rows with the team over
equipment, which is vital for TT riders.
Apparently
skinsuits were delivered on the Tour to Dennis, the world champion, which he
was not happy with.
The issue
came to a head on the road and he pulled over and abandoned the race, with his
team initially suggesting they had no idea why he had pulled out.
However,
now that the dust has settled a little around Dennis – though perhaps not for
the rider or team – his team mates have been speaking out.
Dylan Teuns
confirmed the now well document troubles with kit for Dennis; reported in the media
but not confirmed officially by management.
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"The news is correct,” stage 6 winner Teuns said about reports suggesting equipment was the issue. “Hopefully they will find a solution that both parties come out."
"Whether he is viewed as a deserter? No, but it is not an easy situation, not even for me to talk about this.
“But the
rumours are right. With the arrival of McLaren next year a lot will change.
Maybe they can convince him."
Thomas De Gendt, while not a team mate of Teuns and Dennis, said the problems that he had heard of within the peloton went further than just clothing.
"Whether I know the answer? Just a little bit the things I've already heard myself, the promises he received about wheels, bike and time trial suit; that it would all get better. But that didn't happen.
"That's what I know. I think that's why he quit. What was promised to the Tour didn't come.
“You don't
like that if you are a world time trial champion, who is expected to win. If
you if you don't have the material to win, it probably frustrates."
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