After an incident at the first intermediate sprint of the second stage of the Abu Dhabi Tour, Paul Voss (Bora-Argon 18) was disqualified by the race jury and forced to leave the race.

"Sprints are always competitive - the intermediate sprint today makes no exception," manager Ralph Denk said. "Unfortunately, a short scuffle occurred afterwards. Of course, this shouldn’t happen. I just talked with two guys again and for them the issue was settled in the race already. Therefore both were surprised that the jury took this decision. But we have to accept it."

"For the second time in a row I was the rider who initiated the group of the day," Voss said. "I wanted to defend the sprint jersey, which I am very proud of, and I was very motivated to race.

"At the first intermediate sprint, I was in a good position. Zurlo of United Healthcare launched the sprint for his teammate, then he crossed intentionally my sprint line. I had to give way and brake hard in order not to ride in the curb and crash. Of course, I was upset. I am very sorry that the adrenaline was a little high with me afterwards and I apologize to Federico Zurlo for my behavior.”

None of the parties have detailed the short scuffle that wasn't caught by TV cameras.