Originally Posted by
PepeM
They were punished because that is what the rule says. If someone doesn't like the rule then they should ask for it to be changed, but if that is what is stipulated then not much can be done. I would prefer if there was no penalty as it would make for a more entertaining race, but if that's what the rule says then there isn't much to defend.
Except the UCI has a long and stupid history of deciding when rules will be applied and when they will not. ie they decided to make everyones saddle flat before one stage. at Paris - Roubaix like 30 riders jumped the barriers at a train crossing and about got themselves killed but the rule to disqualify everyone who did it was ignored. Riders share water bottles and food all day long. "Gianni Meersman (Etixx-Quick-Step) admitted he received a wheel from Sky earlier in this Giro, but no one took notice of that." Some times riders who miss the time cutoff are given an exception. sometimes they get sent home. depends on who is deciding.