Deceuninck-QuickStep has issued a statement in the hope
of bringing an end to speculation after an item was taken from Remco Evenepoel’s
pocket following his crash at Il Lombardia.
There had been speculation that the item was a data
device not permitted under the rules of cycling.
However, the team has insisted the item was a small bottle
containing nutrients for consumption during the race.
It added the bottle was removed from Evenepoel’s pocket
to make him more comfortable as he was placed onto a stretcher and into the
ambulance.
The team’s directeur sportif Davide Bramati rushed to
help Evenepoel after he crashed off a bridge during the race, breaking his
pelvis.
He could be seen taking something from Evenepoel’s pocket, leading to speculation in some quarters that it was an authorised data device sending data from Evenepoel to the team during the race.
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Bramati said after the race that he knew Evenepoel had
crashed as his data had stopped. But the team said he was referring to the
Velon data that allows riders to be tracked during races.
Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) has commenced an
inquiry into the incident as UCI president David Lappartient insisted data
devices were not allowed and questioned what data Bramati was referring to.
However, the team has insisted nothing untoward had
happened, saying it was not using an authorised data device. Team boss Patrick
Lefevere said he was angered that videos being shared online appeared to be
grounds now for an investigation to begin.
“We would like to clarify that we have been contacted by CADF earlier this week to discuss the incident surrounding Remco Evenepoel’s crash at Il Lombardia earlier this month,” the team said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“As has already been stated publicly, the item that was
captured being removed from Remco’s pockets was a small bottle containing
nutrition products and was removed in order to help him to be placed more
comfortably by medical staff on the stretcher.
“We have reiterated this to CADF and we will continue to
cooperate with their enquires if needed.
“With regards to the transmission of data, we would also
like to clarify that data such as live location is transmitted by the Velon
device that was installed on bikes during Il Lombardia by Velon in partnership
with the race organiser.
“The devices allow everyone, including the fans, to track
and see rider data live in the race.
“We are confident that this will put an end to any
further speculation surrounding the incident.”
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