Rowe, Martin Expelled From Tour de France
Rowe, Martin Expelled From Tour de France
Luke Rowe and Tony Martin were ejected from the Tour de France on Wednesday following a mid-race altercation which was caught on camera.
Team Ineos suffered a blow to their Tour de France defence bid when Luke Rowe was thrown off the race on Wednesday for his part in a spat with Jumbo-Visma's Tony Martin, who was also expelled.
In the official results given out by the race's organisers the pair were listed on the 'Hors Cours' (out of the race) section after stage 17.
The duo were involved in an altercation as the two teams jostled for position 15km from the end of the 200km run to Gap with Welshman Rowe appearing to hit Martin in the face.
Overall race leader Julian Alaphilippe said the pair were nervous because they felt the yellow jersey wearer would attack on the climb.
Both Ineos, with reigning champion Geraint Thomas in second place, and Jumbo with Steven Kruijswijk in third were keen to be on hand in that eventuality.
Tour winners generally complete the three weeks with a full team, with depleted outfits rarely gaining the big prizes at the Champs-Elysees.
"To come here with my mates on this team, I just feel like I've let them down," Rowe said.
"But it feels harsh, it is pretty hard. We were both very nervous," he added.
"They have decided to expel Tony and Luke from the race wich feels incredibly harsh," said Ineos principal Dave Brailsford.
"A yellow card would have been merited but a red card feels a bit silly to me," he added.
Related Content
- Watch The Giro d'Italia 2024 LIVE In Canada On FloBikes
Apr 24, 2024
- How To Watch Giro D'Italia 2024 As Cyclists Compete In Italy's Grand Tour
Apr 24, 2024
- Giro d'Italia 2024 Preview: Tadej Pogacar Takes Aim At Double
Apr 22, 2024
- Ineos Owner Jim Ratcliffe Wants 'Real Action' Over Cycling Safety
Apr 12, 2024
- Injured Wout Van Aert Out Of Giro d'Italia Team
Apr 11, 2024
- Sarah Gigante Powers To Victory In 2024 Tour Down Under
Jan 14, 2024
- Sarah Gigante Conquers Willunga In Tour Down Under Stage 3
Jan 14, 2024
- Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig Surges To Take Tour Down Under Overall Lead
Jan 13, 2024
- Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig Powers To Win In Tour Down Under Stage 2
Jan 13, 2024