The organiser of the Belgian ProTour classic Gent-Wevelgem, taking place on April 5 this year, has been suspended for four weeks during that period of time (April 1-30). The Belgian, Luc Gheysens, will therefore not be able to assume his role during the race.
The disciplinary commission of the UCI announced its decision in the light of the events leading to the victory of Nico Mattan last year. The Lotto-Davitamon rider had been able to chase down Juan Antonio Flecha in the final kilometre by riding behind support cars, including the one of the race director. At the time, Mattan was granted the race victory on the grounds that the jury "did not want to penalize the rider for the organiser's fault", but a complete report was filed to the UCI, which has now decided on the consequences.
