Giorgia Pellizotti finished fourth on Saturday at the European Cyclocross Championships for junior women, but was disqualified afterwards. There was a striking reason for this: the 17-year-old rode a frame that was not approved by the UCI. The international cycling union then intervened.
Pellizotti crossed the line in Middelkerke in fourth place, behind winner Barbora Bukovská, silver medalist Nynke Jochems, and her compatriot Nicole Azzetti. However, her frame from the Italian bike brand Guerciotti — the new 'Vito' — did not comply with UCI regulations. The results now list 'DSQ' next to her name.
Guerciotti responds
Guerciotti has responded to Pellizotti’s disqualification through Tuttobiciweb. According to the manufacturer, the European Championships are "not included in the list of events where the use of a UCI-patented frame is currently mandatory." In addition, the company states that "this particular frame was also used at other international races before last weekend, where the use of a UCI-patented frame was neither mandatory nor requested."
Furthermore, Guerciotti notes that the Vito frame was still approved on Saturday, November 8 (the first day of the European Championships), after consultations with UCI representatives. After the junior race, however, Giorgia Pellizotti’s disqualification was communicated via email.
In that same email, the UCI also stated that the bike could not be used on Sunday, the final day of the European Championships. Italian junior Patrik Pezzo Rosola therefore had to start on a Cannondale belonging to his fellow countryman Mattia Agostinacchio. Using his loan bike, he still managed to secure silver.
Minor adjustments
Guerciotti emphasizes that Pellizotti herself is not at fault for her disqualification. Additionally, the company says it will make "minor adjustments" to the Vito within ten days so that the frame will comply with UCI guidelines going forward. Finally, the company wants to clarify "that it has always applied for and obtained UCI certification for all models intended for racing."
