Gianni Moscon (Team Sky) has been disqualified from the Tour de France for striking out at Fortuneo-Samsic rider Elie Gesbert in the opening kilometre of the fifteenth stage from Millau to Carcassonne.

A video of the incident shows the Italian rider aiming a punch at Gesbert. The video footage was reviewed by the race jury who confirmed his expulsion this evening. The commissaires cited article 12.1040.30.1 of the UCI regulations, which addresses “acts of violence among riders” and outlines that riders can be disqualified in the event if “particular serious aggression.”

The 24 year-old had been a key domestique for race leader Geraint Thomas and Team Sky are now down to seven riders for the final week.

Team Sky Team Principal, Dave Brailsford, later issued a statement saying: “We support and accept the decision by the race organisers to exclude Gianni Moscon from the Tour de France. Gianni is desperately disappointed in his behaviour and knows that he has let himself, the Team and the race down.

“We will address this incident with Gianni once the Tour is complete and decide then if any further action should be taken. I would like to offer my sincere apologies to both Elie Gesbert and Team Fortuneo Samsic for this unacceptable incident.”

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