The UCI has handed Astana sports director Lars Michaelsen a suspension and fine as a result of his car crash at the Tour de Yorkshire.
During Stage 4 of the Tour de Yorkshire earlier this month, Michaelsen was driving one of the team cars in the race convey. As the convey rounded a bend, the Astana car took the corner too quickly, subsequently colliding with a central reservation bollard.
Luckily, nobody was injured in the collision however video footage caught by a spectator did see a race steward have to quickly avert the danger, almost being hit by the car.
In a statement released today, the UCI stated that it would hand Michaelsen a 50-day suspension along with a fine of CHF 5,000 (£3700).
It then followed by stating, ‘He will also collaborate with the UCI in delivering driver safety initiatives and share his experience as a driver in the race convoy.’
The UCI also confirmed that Michaelsen had ‘accepted his responsibility for the incident’ while also helping with the investigation.
Ending the statement, the governing body wrote, ‘The UCI emphasises the importance of continuously working on measures aimed at improving road safety as well as acting on any such incidents from a disciplinary point of view in a fair and efficient manner.’