A pro cyclist taking part in the Giro d’Italia has been fined by commissaires – for asking a woman out on a date.
LottoNL-Jumbo rider Victor Campenaerts unzipped his skinsuit before the start of the Stage 10 individual time trial on Tuesday to reveal a message that read, ‘Carlien daten?’ – ‘Carlien, a date?’
He also showed the message again as he neared the finish line – though it turns out that its intended recipient, Carlien Cavens (pictured below, centre), wasn’t watching since she was in a work meeting and only learnt of it later when a journalist rang her.
Happily, she said ‘yes’ and according to Sporza fancies a meal and perhaps a bike ride – assuming Campenaerts doesn’t want to take some time off riding after the Giro.
But she added: “I certainly do not want to go to the movies. I always fall asleep."
They'll be able to have a beer or three, as well.
Sporza added that the couple have known each other for a while with Campenaerts helping Cavens, a former triathlete, with her swimming.
Campenaerts’ romantic message was met with a frostier reception by the UCI, however, which fined him 100 Swiss Francs.
Commissaire Luc Herpelinck told Sporza: “If he wanted to send a message, that’s fine. But not during the race, and not with his upper body uncovered.
“There’s no place for that in a serious race like the Giro. Cycling must not be used for this reason.”
“It’s better the riders’ take their romance away from the sport,” he added. presumably after a brief pause to suck on a lemon.
“If we ignore it this time, we’re leaving it open to happen another time.”
A Belgian journalist has set up a Go Fund Me page to pay the fine for the rider.
To date, it has raised €31 of the €91 target.
Well the bollards are wearing hi-viz....
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