Giro d’Italia 2023: UCI 'condemns' use of helicopters at end of Stage 7, 'goes against fair play'

The UCI has condemned teams who used helicopters to airlift their riders off the mountain after Stage 7’s summit finish at the Giro d’Italia on Friday, saying it «goes against the principles of fair play». With the bus convoy parked 26km down the snowy Gran Sasso, some teams flew their riders direct from the mountaintop to their hotels to cut transfer time ahead of a bumper weekend.

Ad Other teams used gondolas, which were open to the public, to make their way down to the buses. The helicopter trip reportedly saved two hours on the gondola-bus combo.

Giro d'ItaliaLloyd and McEwen brand UCI helicopter statement 'absolutely ridiculous'41 MINUTES AGO Soudal-QuickStep shared a picture on social media of some of their riders, including race favourite Remco Evenepoel, transferring via helicopter. Bora-Hansgrohe and Bahrain Victorious also reportedly used helicopters, with the UCI saying it would «take necessary measures and sanctions» to avoid a repeat in future.

«The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) notes that helicopter transport was used by some riders to leave the finish area after the end of the 7th stage of the Giro d'Italia, between Capua and Gran Sasso d'Italia,» read a statement from cycling's governing body. «This constitutes an advantage that goes against the principles of fair play and the regulatory provisions for ensuring equal treatment for transfer of teams to their hotels.» McEwen lauds shock winner Bais: The guy who keeps rolling the dice Bais lands surprise win from breakaway after GC snoozefest in mountains The UCI also took aim at the climate impact of using helicopters.