Video: Zingle disqualified after controversial tow by team car at E3 Saxo Classic, Plugge handed yellow card

The Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider suffered a puncture but appeared to rely heavily on his team car to regain position, holding on for several seconds in a move that breaches cycling regulations.

Images of the incident quickly spread on X, drawing attention from fans and media alike, and the jury reacted by disqualifying the rider from the Dutch team.

The situation took on an extra layer after the finish, when it emerged that the car involved was being driven by team boss Richard Plugge. As a licensed directeur sportif he is allowed behind the wheel during races, but his role in the incident has now also led to disciplinary consequences, with Plugge receiving a yellow card.

The footage itself left little room for interpretation. Zingle is seen holding onto the car door and being pulled back towards the peloton, a practice known in the sport but one that crosses the line when applied so visibly.

Team Visma | Lease a Bike addressed the incident after the race and did not attempt to downplay what happened. Sports director Maarten Wynants confirmed the team became aware of the situation late in the race, before the images surfaced more widely.

“We regret the incident. This does not contribute to the image of cycling,” Wynants said to Sporza. “It happened after a puncture and it did not influence the result, but it should not have happened.”