Vincenzo Nibali’s Worlds/Lombardy preparation has taken a hit after UCI rules will see him unable to race until the Vuelta is over, after he was disqualified from the race on stage two.

The rule states: "Any rider eliminated from a stage race shall not be permitted to participate in any other competition for the duration of the race for which he was penalised, on pain of a 15 day suspension and a fine of CHF 200 to CHF 1'000."

Nibali had hoped to ride the GP Fourmies (September 6) and the Grand Prix de Québec and Montréal (September 11 and 13) with his Astana team. However, all three races overlap with the final part of the Vuelta and under UCI rules Nibali cannot compete until Monday September 14. 

Due to Astana’s light programme in September, Nibali may race a lot for the Italian national team at Coppa Agostoni (September 16), Coppa Bernocchi (September 17), the Memorial Marco Pantani (September 19) and the GP Industria & Commercio di Prato (September 20) before travelling to Richmond. He would then ride Il Lombardia and perhaps the Abu Dhabi Tour for Astana to ensure he does not take too long a break from racing.