Riders warned not to urinate in bottles and discard them at the Giro d'Italia

The organisers of the Giro d’Italia have issued a formal reminder to riders that urinating into bottles and subsequently discarding them roadside is strictly prohibited. This unusual directive appeared in the jury report following the ninth stage, which was won by Jonas Vingegaard. While no specific riders were named for this particular offence, the statement emphasised the importance of maintaining the sport’s image and adhering to proper conduct during the race. Several penalties were handed out during the ninth stage related to inappropriate behaviour and waste disposal. Lotto Intermarché’s Lennert Van Eetvelt was fined 200 CHF for urinating publicly during the race, an act prohibited under UCI regulations that aim to preserve the sport’s dignity. Additionally, Christopher Juul Jensen of Jayco AlUla received a fine and a 25-point deduction for improper waste disposal, while David de la Cruz of Pinarello Q36.5 was fined 500 CHF for unspecified behaviour deemed damaging to cycling’s image, reportedly linked to an incident involving a bottle. The UCI’s rulebook outlines clear guidelines on waste disposal, requiring riders to deposit rubbish exclusively in designated litter zones or hand items to team staff or official vehicles. Discarding bottles or other objects carelessly on the road can lead to substantial fines and penalties, especially if such actions endanger other riders or spectators. However, there is no explicit rule addressing urinating into bottles, which has prompted the organisers to clarify their stance in this instance. Urinating roadside remains a common and generally accepted practice during Grand Tours, given the extreme physical demands and lengthy stages riders endure. Such breaks usually occur in less crowded areas and are tolerated as part of the race’s realities. The recent warnings and fines reflect a growing emphasis on professionalism and respect for public spaces, signalling that riders must balance practical needs with the sport’s public image as the Giro progresses.