Share

Sagan ends legal dispute over TDF DQ

Paris - World champion Peter Sagan and the International Cycling Union (UCI) on Tuesday agreed to end the legal dispute about the rider's disqualification from this year's Tour de France.

Sagan was sensationally kicked off the Tour for elbowing British rival Mark Cavendish in a hectic sprint finish to the fourth stage in Vittel.

The Slovak and his Bora team immediately appealed the decision, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) denied the request for a temporary suspension to allow Sagan to complete the Tour.

"Subsequently, however, all parties involved had the opportunity to provide evidence and call witnesses," the UCI said in a statement, with CAS scheduled to hear the matter later on Tuesday.

"Having considered the materials submitted in the CAS proceedings, including video footage that was not available at the time when the race jury had disqualified Peter Sagan, the parties agreed that the crash was an unfortunate and unintentional race incident and that the UCI Commissaires made their decision based on their best judgment in the circumstances.

"On this basis, the parties agreed not to continue with the legal proceedings and to focus on the positive steps that can be taken in the future instead."

Sagan said he was pleased with the decision, adding that the "past is already forgotten".

"It's all about improving our sport in the future. I welcome the fact that what happened to me in Vittel has showed that the UCI Commissaires' work is a difficult one and that the UCI has recognised the need to facilitate their work in a more effective way.

"I am happy that my case will lead to positive developments, because it is important for our sport to make fair and comprehensible decisions, even if emotions are sometimes heated up."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1843 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1810 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1100 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 470 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 193 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 261 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE