Cyclists face hefty fines for throwing water bottles

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Riders throwing away empty water bottles at this weekend's opening World Tour race could face fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs (about 1,000 US dollars) after new anti-littering rules were brought in by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Water bottles flying into roadside hedges are a common sight in professional cycling and while many are fetched by fans as souvenirs, the UCI is cracking down on the practice.

"Dropping a water bottle into the canal or leaving trash on the road is no longer acceptable in this day and age," Philippe Marien, the UCI's Jury Commissioner at this weekend's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne events said, according to Reuters.

UCI Cyclo-cross racing at Maldegem, Belgium, February 6, 2019. /VCG Photo

"WorldTour pros have an exemplary function. With higher fines, we want to set standards and head in a responsible, ecological way," Marien added.

World Tour races have designated "waste zones" where riders can get rid of empty bottles and energy gel packaging.

Disobeying the new rules will result in fines of 1,000 Swiss francs.

The highest fines will be for throwing bottles in a "dangerous manner" into the crowd, Marien said, "a rider who throws a half-full or empty bottle, that is life-threatening. We do not want to see that anymore."

Source(s): Reuters