(Vincenzo Nibali Facebook)
When athletes are accused of cheating they will tell you show them proof or even tell you that they are innocent and cannot prove a thing. The aforementioned is not always the case but does happen. However, in the case of cyclist Vincenzo Nibali the proof is in the pudding, we actually the video.
During the 2015 La Vuelta a España (the Tour of Spain), former Tour de France and Tour of Spain winner, Vincenzo Nibali was caught cheating by a Eurosport helicopter that was filming the race. The video showed him latching on to the Astana Pro Team car for over 200 meters. Obviously he thought he would not be caught but the camera, in this case, does not lie.
The Astana Pro Team director, who was driving the car, and Nibali were both disqualified for the infraction. The multiple major tour winner will not need his uniform or gear today. Below is the video of the incident in question.
httpv://youtu.be/hSQW8OX8VqA
(Cycling Hub)
Vincenzo Nibali released a statement on his Facebook page after the punishment was handed down. Below is the statement translated to English for those that want to read it. As always, with translation, it is not perfect but gives you an idea if you do not speak the native tongue. I will let you be the judge when deciding how “sorry” he is for the actions and their repercussions.
For what happened yesterday really wonder at all the public apology, for anyone who is outraged and ashamed for me!! Many of you have never raced on bikes, others are big fans of any other pure passion, and still others have approached in recent years!! Cycling Bike is passion, love, days away from the grueling workouts with family, too many sacrifices that begin at the age of 16 years!! What happened today at the Vuelta happens in every race that does not have to prove that it is not wrong and have to remain unpunished!!! The punishment to be served the courts dictate. A year gone bad for a thousand reasons arrival at the Vuelta with the desire for redemption from a infamous season, I find myself apologizing stage the expression with the ass, aided by a mate increases hoping you didn’t hurt, watch your wounds on him from the hot asphalt and looking for your bike which destroyed, panic and chaos in the Group late starting … much … Too much to the point that when I’m back on my bike I have a 1:20 delay, I sling the pursuit without fear, without water alone, slowly gain ground and find my teammates waiting long way, head thinking that I must go and I must stay ahead in the race for those people who look at me, for those who love me for my wife, daughter, and for those who will be wondering how I’m going to go ahead, to see that I didn’t do anything until that mistake that costs me dear a 150 metres of driven, many of whom are ready to throw the mud, (came to which it is attached) none stresses that fell was attacked , is alone in pursuit against 18 runners pushing at full ahead! No gentlemen in cycling racing is racing nobody is waiting for you!! In episodes like these there are many more so after falling!! In the end all I thought to pay a hefty fine and a penalty as you do to stay out of!!! I would have also accepted a penalty ten minutes!! After all I will not be the first nor the last of this story. I apologize again for having stolen time and thanks for the support you give me or not!!! Good evening to you soon! Vince
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