Team KATUSHA has decided to take its rider Alexey Tsatevich out of the Giro d’Italia 2016 after yesterday’s incident at the individual time trial around Chianti. Alexey Tsatevich seriously violated the rules of riding an individual time trial by drafting on the wheel of Tobias Ludvigsson for a very long time.

After having been sent home, the Russian sprinter has responded to his expulsion by posting the following statement on his persoanl website.

"I am very upset about this situation. During all race I tried to show good results. I fell several times, I got up and continued race again, through feeling of pain, in order to be useful to team.

"On my feelings during ITT, I keep a distance. The judge didn't warn me about violation of a distance, and so, I continued the race. Also, I want to note, that I didn't ignore the requirement and request of the sporting director.

"Anyway, I wish good luck to guys! I will support team at home as the viewer. I apologize for the inconvenience."