Two Dutch riders were disqualified Sunday at the 2025 Tour de Guadeloupe after being caught red-handed trying to sneak back into the peloton after cutting the course.
The incident was captured on video, and officials promptly kicked them out of the race held on the French-territory Caribbean island.
According to media reports, Niels Tenniglo and Huub Van Kapel of Dutch team RC Jan Van Arckel, were filmed hiding behind a vehicle near an intersection. Official results also revealed both received DSQ.
As the peloton passed with about 40 kilometers remaining, the duo attempted to slip back into the bunch.
#TDG♂️♂️Tour cycliste de #Guadeloupe 2025 : “C’est très grave !” 2 coureurs exclus pour avoir rejoint le peloton sans faire tout le parcours de la 2e étape sous les yeux du commissaire ➕d’infos https://t.co/zAQuIEpYbY pic.twitter.com/35cVeIxYK8
— Guadeloupe la 1ère (@guadeloupela1e) August 4, 2025
Their ruse didn’t go unnoticed by race officials, who quickly called out over race radio that they were removed from the race.
“They did not complete the entire course and attempted to rejoin the peloton at the velodrome,” a race official said.
In what was reportedly a chaotic stage with crashes and scores of DNFs and three riders OTL, other riders were spotted hanging onto cars. Race officials promised more sanctions.
“There are other riders who have hung into cars, with videos to support this,” the race jury said. “I remind you that cycling is a sport that is practiced by pedaling and holding onto your handlebars, your handlebars and nothing else. It’s dangerous.”
The 10-day, 2.2-ranked race features a mix of regional and club-level squads. There was no immediate response from the riders or team involved.