Cyclist Nacer Bouhanni has been the target of racist insults on social networks since a dangerous sprint on March 28 where he crushed Briton Jake Stewart against a barrier.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) announced on Wednesday supporting the French rider in the face of the attacks he is undergoing.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) on Wednesday supported French rider Nacer Bouhanni, who announced earlier this week that he was harassed with racist insults on social networks.
The UCI condemned "very strongly the racist attacks" suffered by the former champion of France, following his downgrading for a dangerous sprint on March 28 in Cholet-Pays de la Loire.
"It's been eight days that I have received hundreds of messages, it turns to harassment," said Bouhanni, who announced Monday his intention to file a complaint.
"Nothing justifies the insults," said the UCI of Bouhanni, "however serious the fault committed by the French rider".
She also recalled having seized its disciplinary commission and requested sanctions against the sprinter of the Arkea-Samsic team.
"There is no place for racism in this world"
The Briton Jake Stewart, packed against the barriers by the French at the arrival of Cholet, was also indignant.
"We will all agree or not on certain things but one thing should not be called into question: it is racism", reacted the British rider of the Groupama-FDJ team.
“The comments and racism against Nacer this past week are absolutely deplorable. There is no room for racism in this world. To the so-called 'fans' of cycling who are making these comments, you don't. 're not welcome here, ”Stewart added on his Twitter account.