‘Astonished’ SD Worx-Protime issues statement after Wiebes DSQ in Giro: ‘Serious questions over procedures’
CyclingSunday, 31 May 2026 at 08:19
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Follow us on GoogleThe opening stage of the Giro d’Italia Women is one that the women’s peloton will not forget in a hurry. Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) won the stage, but was removed from the race a few hours later because her bike was deemed too light. Her team issued a statement on Saturday evening at 23:15 CET.
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“Team SD Worx-Protime is astonished by the decision of the UCI jury panel that Lorena Wiebes’ bike did not meet the minimum weight limit after the first stage of the Giro d’Italia Women, in accordance with UCI article 2.12.007–2.2,” the team said in its statement after the pink jersey was awarded to runner-up Elisa Balsamo.
“According to the jury, the bike weighed 6.78 kilograms and therefore did not meet the UCI minimum weight requirement of 6.8 kilograms. The team has serious questions about the procedures for weighing the bikes during the Giro d’Italia Women,” SD Worx-Protime said.
“For example, there was a weight difference of more than 50 grams between the first and second weighing of Wiebes’ bike after the finish in Ravenna,” the team said first. “Wiebes has used this bike several times this season, always with the same set-up. She has achieved numerous victories on this bike. In addition, earlier this year the bike was weighed by UCI officials after several races in which Wiebes won sprints convincingly.”
Read on below the video!
SD Worx-Protime furious about disqualification
“At every opportunity, the bike’s weight was well above the 6.8-kilogram limit. The team therefore does not understand how that same bike could now suddenly weigh below the minimum. Team SD Worx-Protime considers Wiebes’ disqualification an exceptionally severe sanction,” the team said.
“In a flat sprint stage, unlike in a mountain stage, a small reduction in weight offers virtually no advantage. That is certainly true for a rider like Wiebes, who won the sprint in Ravenna by three bike lengths,” the team added. “Team SD Worx-Protime, a leading team in the women’s peloton for fifteen years, has no explanation for the fact that Wiebes’ bike was found to be below the minimum weight this time.”
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David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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