Tom Pidcock fined at the Tour of the Alps for crossing the finish line twice

Tom Pidcock’s resurgence continued this week, but the Briton’s latest day at the race ended with an unexpected fine after a post-stage mistake near the finish line.

The Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team rider has looked increasingly sharp since a difficult opening day, when he crossed the line after stage one and admitted it had been “the worst day on the bike of my life.”

Pidcock bounced back in style by winning stage 3, a result that underlined both his growing form. On today’s stage he was again active at the front, showing flashes of the attacking intent, although victory ultimately slipped away.

After completing the stage, Pidcock began the usual recovery routine. He cooled down, drank his recovery shake and then rolled back onto the road for some post-race pedalling.

That is where the problem began. While spinning the legs out after the finish, Pidcock passed through the finish line area once again, travelling in the same direction as the race had done earlier. He was still wearing his race number, and officials quickly noted the infringement.

Under race regulations, once a rider has finished, and while the time limit for the remaining riders is still running, competitors are not permitted to cross the finish line in the race direction while still displaying their race number or using a bike carrying the frame number.

The Tour of the Alps race jury later confirmed the sanction: Pidcock breached Article 1.6: “To cross the finish line in the direction of the race whilst still wearing the race number or frame number”.

The offence resulted in a fine of 100 Swiss francs, with no further sporting penalties applied and no impact on points or overall classifications.