MEN U23 Road Race reason for Nils Eekhoff’s Disqualification

There was controversy yesterday when Nils Eekhoff of the Netherlands was disqualified from the U23’s road race, after crossing the line in first place, seemingly coming from nowhere. The UCI have clarified their decision with the following statement and video evidence.

UCI clarification on the disqualification of Nils Eekhoff
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) wishes to provide further information on the disqualification yesterday of Dutch rider Nils Eekhoff at the Men U23 road race during the 2019 UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire, Great Britain.
The rider was disqualified for sheltering behind a vehicle (4.7 of article 2.12.007) for over 2 minutes.
The maximum sanction provided by the article was considered appropriate due to the time spent sheltering.
The decision was taken by the commissaires’ panel after the race based on images from a moto camera available to the UCI video commissaire. Race officials have reviewed this video, followed due process by hearing the rider and team before making the decision.
Also, the race communique lists two other riders disqualified under the same article and according to the same process.
As the world governing body of cycling the UCI is deeply committed to ensure the integrity of cycling and the fairness on the field of play.