Rowe and Tony Martin apologise for Tour de France incident in joint statement - Video

Luke Rowe (Team Ineos) and Tony Martin (Jumbo-Visma) have issued statements objecting to being expelled from the Tour de France after a few tense interactions ahead of the stage 17 final climb on Wednesday, taking responsibility for their actions and apologising to each other, the fans and the Tour de France after being ejected from the race.

Both teams intend to appeal the decision of the race jury to disqualify Rowe and Martin.

Rowe and Martin had a series of clashes at the head of the peloton, with Jumbo-Visma team leader Steven Kruijswijk saying they felt Ineos did not appreciate his team controlling the race. Rowe tried to play down the incidents, saying "We're both doing the same role. We just got in each other's way. That's bike racing. It's all good."

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The race jury disagreed, and after reviewing footage that showed Martin swerving, causing Rowe to ride off the road, Rowe raising his hand to Martin's face and then both riders shoulder to shoulder at the front of the peloton as they clashed for a third time.

The pair were ejected from the Tour de France, fined 1000 CHF and docked 50 UCI points under Article 8.2.1 of the UCI rule book that prohibits "assault, intimidation, insults, threats, improper conduct [including pulling the jersey or saddle of another rider, blow with the helmet, knee, elbow, shoulder, foot or hand etc], behaviour that is indecent or that endangers others".

Rowe and Martin apologised for the incidents and accepted responsibility. They said the clash happened in the heat of the moment as both riders were trying to get their team leaders into position.

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 24, 2019

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