"Respect the image of cycling" - UCI warns Giro d’Italia riders to not urinate in bidons and throw them away

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has issued a warning to the Giro d’Italia peloton after detecting behaviour deemed inappropriate related to the use of bidons during the race. Cycling’s governing body expressed concern that some riders may have been urinating into empty bottles before throwing them onto the verge.

Although for now no specific sanction has been confirmed as a result of these incidents, both the Giro organisers and the Panel of Commissaires made their stance clear.

In the official report for stage nine, race officials reminded riders that “to respect the image of cycling and the Giro d’Italia, we inform riders that it is strictly forbidden to urinate into a bottle and then discard it.”

The warning drew particular attention given the symbolic value of bidons in professional cycling. Throughout each stage, many fans wait roadside hoping to pick up one of these souvenirs tossed by the riders.

It is common to see riders hand their empty bottles to children and supporters along the route, making them some of the most coveted items for the public during the Grand Tours. Precisely for that reason, the organisation considers it necessary to prevent any behaviour that could damage the image of the race and the sport itself.

The UCI’s regulations already cover this type of conduct within its disciplinary code. Article 8.6 sets out penalties for behaviour considered indecent or inappropriate during a competition.

The text states that “behaving in an indecent or inappropriate manner, such as undressing or urinating in public at the start, finish or during a race, and damaging the image of the sport” may lead to fines ranging from 200 to 500 Swiss francs.

With this reminder, the UCI and Giro officials aim to prevent further incidents of this kind and to protect the image of the Italian race and professional cycling among fans and the wider public.