Cycling chiefs have slapped a ban and a fine on RadioShack manager Johan Bruyneel after jersey-swapping antics designed to promote Lance Armstrong’s fight against cancer at the Tour de France.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) banned Bruyneel “for two months, from February 1 to March 31, 2011” and said the Belgian had to pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs (€7,300).
The sanctions relate to the infringement of article 12.1.004 of the UCI regulations, and means all the riders, including Armstrong, will have to stump up 2,500 Swiss Francs (€1,828 each).
A statement read: “The UCI... Disciplinary Commission has decided to fine the Manager of the team RadioShack Johan Bruyneel 10,000 Swiss Francs (CHF), the team’s Sporting Directors present at the 2010 Tour de France 5,000 CHF, and the riders at the French race 2,500 CHF.”
On the last stage of this year’s Tour de France, the last of Armstrong’s career, the team flouted UCI rules by turning up for the final stage to the Champs Elysees wearing black jerseys with the number ‘28’ emblazoned across it.
Armstrong, who famously battled cancer in 1998 to return to racing and win the Tour seven times consecutively, wanted as much exposure as possible for his Livestrong foundation, which estimates that 28 million people around the world are living with cancer.
However, angry race officials forced the team to change into their traditional red and grey outfits.
Podium show
Armstrong persisted and after the stage the 39-year-old American and his team turned up wearing black at the podium to receive their prize for dominating the teams’ classification.
“In the end, I think the fact we had to change the jerseys (before the stage) gave us some publicity,” Armstrong told France Television at the end of the stage.
Bruyneel later hit out at the UCI’s reaction, using remarks that earned him a disciplinary hearing.
In July, the UCI said that because of RadioShack’s good intentions “any fines levied as a result of this matter would be donated to the Swiss League Against Cancer”.