Dutch cyclist Theo Bos faces a ban of up to six months for an infringement. The 25-year-old sent South African cyclist Daryl Impey crashing onto a security barrier last month in the Tour of Turkey, according to ESPN.
Bos, a former world champion and Olympic silver medalist on the track, switched over to road racing this season. He faces a ban of between one and six months, in accordance with International Cycling Union (UCI) Regulations. Bos grabbed Impey's shoulder and pushed him onto a barrier about 1.25 miles before the finish line of the final stage.
"The UCI has deemed that Theo Bos's behavior undermined the image, reputation and interests of cycling and of the UCI," the sport's governing body said in a statement.
Impey suffered cracked vertebrae in his lower back and neck, chipped teeth and facial lacerations, but ended up winning the tour after being helped across the finish line by a teammate. He will not be racing in the Giro d'Italia, which starts May 9.
"What happened was not on purpose," Bos said on his website. "Not even in the heat of the moment. I would like everyone to understand that this is not how I win my sprints."
According to the Associated Press, Bos claimed that he grabbed Impey instinctively after realizing that he was trapped by a barrier and would most likely fall.
I feel like I just watched a soccer game with a spanish announcer!
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