"Simply disgusting": Dispute over cycling star Ewan escalates

The dispute surrounding star sprinter Caleb Ewan has escalated following his abandonment at the Tour de France. Team boss Stephane Heulot sharply criticised the Australian's performance and behaviour after he abandoned on the 13th stage on Friday. Ewan's manager expressed his incomprehension.

Manager of Caleb Ewan speaks out

"To say these things publicly and humiliate a rider who has given so much to the team for four, five years is just disgusting, to be frank," Jason Bakker told Cycling Weekly.

Ewan had come to the 110th Tour with the aim of winning a stage, and third and second place on the third and fourth stages were his best results. On Friday, the 29-year-old lost touch with the field early on, with no team-mate staying with him. "It's a disappointment," said Heulot about Ewan's performance. "A rider also has duties and not just rights. We have the right to demand more commitment from him." He had sacrificed many helpers for him and he regretted it. "I am very, very disappointed. A true champion motivates his team. He didn't do that."

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Manager of Caleb Ewan demands apology

After these words, Bakker demanded an apology from Heulot. It will be interesting to see what happens next with Ewan and Team Lotto-Dstny. The five-time Tour stage winner's contract with the Belgians runs until the end of next year. However, a relatively large number of top sprinters are changing teams this year, so a premature separation cannot be ruled out.

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