UCI concludes disciplinary proceedings against Madis Mihkels and Gerben Thijssen after Tour of Guangxi incident

Gerben Thijssen and Madis Mihkels were part of an unusual incident at the Tour of Guangxi, as a social media video posted on the Belgian's Instagram showed Mihkels doing a "squinted eye" gesture, which was not taken well by some fans and race organizers of the Chinese race.

Both riders were taken out of the race before it started by Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, despite having already made the trip to China, thus ending their season on the spot. The UCI also started disciplinary proceedings against the two riders. "The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that the disciplinary proceedings against Madis Mihkels and Gerben Thijssen, as communicated on the October 11th, have concluded," the UCI wrote today in an issued statement.

"The incident involved the publication of a video on Gerben Thijssen’s Instagram account with an image of Madis Mihkels making a racist and discriminatory gesture. Both riders acknowledged the violation of article 12. 4.004 of the UCI Regulations and accepted the sanctions proposed by the UCI," the statement explained. "Besides the immediate withdrawal from the Gree - Tour of Guangxi, in China, by their team – Intermarché-Circus-Wanty (BEL) –, they shall each pay a fine and physically attend an educational course on the fight against discrimination."

The duo is set to be very important for the Belgian team in 2024 as they lead it's sprinting aspirations, alongside Biniam Girmay. Their case is now closed. "Upon ratification of the proposed sanctions by the UCI Disciplinary Commission, the proceedings were settled by means of an Acceptance of Consequences pursuant to article 12.6.019 of the UCI Regulations. The UCI unequivocally condemns all forms of racist and discriminatory behaviour and is committed, through the UCI Constitution, the UCI Regulations and its programmes, to ensuring integrity, diversity, inclusion and equity in cycling."