After disqualification threats, UCI clear Tadej Pogacar of racing Giro with purple shorts

It was one of the most confusing situations of the week. At the Giro d'Italia, Tadej Pogacar was given purple shorts towards stage 3 by the race organizers but the UCI was quick to forbid them, with a threat of a disqualification reported if that was to be broken. Only three days later, the decision was already reverted.

It is unknown why there was such a quick call for action within the governing body after the third stage of the Giro, where Pogacar rode the pink jersey and grenade-colour shorts as provided for the Giro organizers. This Wednesday evening GCN reports that the UCI and kit supplier Castelli were in communications and it is understood that the equipment choice is already cleared.

All of this despite not having been the choice of UAE Team Emirates. On stage 4 Pogacar rode black shorts, whilst on stage 5 he was in full pink at the start of the day. Nothing truly changes from today onwards as it continues to be a mix of the team's and organizers' choice.

However L'Équipe have reported that there may not have been a threat of disqualification, as said by a representative of the UCI: “There is no problem with this matter of the jersey. No rule has been broken. There was never any question of disqualifying Pogačar, the president of the jury never threatened Pogačar. It’s a non-event.”