UPDATE: Madis Mihkels AND Gerben Thijssen taken out of Tour of Guangxi after 'racist gesture'

World Tour racing returns to China tomorrow after several years due to the Covid-19 pandemic with the Tour of Guangxi. Intermarché-Circus-Wanty had Madis Mihkels in the startling lineup, but they have removed the youngster following a social media post where he did a gesture with his eyes that was poorly received.

In an Instagram story of teammate Gerben Thijssen, Mihkels did the gesture and over social media a few people pointed the incident out and have called the Estonian sprint racist. The 20-year old has consequently been sidelined by the team itself for his final race of the season. Intermarché-Circus-Wanty have also issued a statement apologizing for the event.

"We sincerely regret the behaviour of our rider Madis Mihkels and the image shown on the social media, the statement wrote. "We would like to apologize to the Chinese people and fans, to the government of Guangxi, to the Chinese Cycling Association, and all parties involved in the organization of Tour of Guangxi for the image given to out sport."

"For ever, our team Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, composed of more than 15 nationalities in our project, and our partners always defend firmly equal opportunities and fight daily against racism. We will withdraw Madis Mihkels from the race and take necessary disciplinary steps to close this incident."

UPDATE: The Belgian team has issued a new statement in which they confirm the removal of Gerben Thijssen as well, having been the one to record and post the video of Mihkels.