MTN Qhubeka is realising a great Tour de France. Daniel Teklehaimanot is leading the mountain classification. But this week, the Tour of Austria is taking place and the African team selected a great team with Natnael Berhane. But this rider had been the target of racial abuse. Indeed, Branislau Samoilau (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) reportedly called Berhane and "f**ing n***er."

"Racism and saying what was said, that's unacceptable. We have no tolerance for that at all," MTN-Qhubeka team principle Doug Ryder told the press. "Hopefully, it's an isolated thing. A guy was silly, he's said something but it's good that the team has taken a stance against it and he's realised his mistake."

Berhane, who is currently 4th overall 2:16 behind Victor De La Parte (Team Voralberg), was affected. "Natnael was incredibly upset at the time, because it's a terrible thing. They had a discussion, the team came and apologised, the rider came and apologised. Natnael has forgiven the guy. The UCI wanted to kick him out of the race, but Natnael said no it's ok."

According to Cyclingnews, the UCI took the file seriously. "The commissaires' Jury spoke to both riders and their teams. Everyone agreed that it was unacceptable and the rider apologized and offered to donate one month's salary to team MTN-Qhubeka's foundation. All parties were satisfied with the outcome."

CCC Sprandi Polkowice also issued a statement to the Telegraph newspaper: "In the heat of the battle some words and been said by our rider, which was very unfortunate and unacceptable. We, as a team, do not tolerate that kind of behaviour and the rider will suffer the consequences."