He was the star of the show on some of the Tour's hardest stages but Team Sunweb has sent Warren Barguil home from the Vuelta.
Warren Barguil sent home from Vuelta by Sunweb
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Team Sunweb has sent Warren Barguil home from the Vuelta after a row over tactics with the Frenchman.
While he won the climbers’ classification and two stages at the Tour de France he has now fallen out with his employers.
He wanted a free hand in the mountains at the Vuelta. His team insisted he must ride to a race place. Consequently, a dispute ensued.
It could not be resolved and so Barguil was sent home. He did not start today’s stage.
“Team Sunweb have decided to withdraw Warren Barguil from the Vuelta a España,” a statement from the team said.
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“The 25-year-old talented rider... openly expressed that he didn’t race conform to the team’s goal. It left Team Sunweb with no other option than to take this decision."
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Warren Barguil was told he'd won stage 9 of the Tour only for the photo finish to show Rigoberto Uran had just pipped him in the sprint (Photo: ASO)
In addition the team said "working according to a team plan with clear goals" was the way it always raced.
“Since 2008 this has been the basis of the gradual growth and success of Team Sunweb. Therefore it is a value that cannot be varied.
“The team appreciates Barguil’s openness about his motives at the Vuelta.”
Barguil has recently announced he is leaving Team Sunweb. He is set to join Fortuneo-Oscaro, a ProContinental team.
Sunweb's statement about the Vuelta row also quoted Barguil. That is something of an unusual move in the circumstances.
And it suggests there has not been a complete breakdown in the relationship.
“I have to leave the Vuelta by the decision of the team. I feel very well and have good legs,” he said.
He saw himself "in a different role". And he was "eager to attack in the mountains" as he did in the Tour.
“The Vuelta is a great race and it is disappointing to leave. But this is a decision from the team that I need to accept.”
Warren Barguil to continue
Furthermore, Team Sunweb noted his recent success in the Tour de France. It said “the talent Barguil” had brought victories to the squad.
In conclusion the team added: “He is a valued rider, who means and has meant a lot to the team. After the Vuelta, Barguil will pick up his planned race program.”
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