Oscar Riesebeek is the first cyclist sanctioned with a double yellow card by the UCI

The Dutch Óscar Riesebeek (Alpecin-Deceuninck) has become the first rider sanctioned under the new yellow card system implemented by the UCI in 2025. The punishment comes after accumulating two cards during the Baloise Belgium Tour. The sanction involves a seven-day suspension, during which the cyclist will not be able to compete.

Óscar Riesebeek receives two yellow cards in the same race

Riesebeek's first infraction occurred in the second stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour, and the second on the fifth and final day. On both occasions, the Dutchman made use of sidewalk and bike lane sections outside the marked route, which contravenes UCI regulations. This rule, in effect since the beginning of the 2025 season after a trial period in 2024, establishes that any rider who receives two yellow cards in the same race for the same infraction must be disqualified from the event and serve a seven-day suspension.

Alpecin-Deceuninck confirmed the sanction through a statement in which they expressed their full acceptance of the decision: “Both the rider and the team accept this decision, correct and justified”. For his part, Riesebeek himself showed remorse:

“I accept the consequences of my actions. Of course, it is disappointing to miss the national championship, but looking back, I realize that my behavior was incorrect and put other riders at risk. It is something that I sincerely regret and for which I apologize.”

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Riesebeek also wanted to emphasize his commitment to compliance with the regulations: “The rules are clear. If applied consistently, I fully respect them. Now I will take advantage of this time to recover and prepare for my next goals.”

Coincidentally, the Dutchman's second infraction not only resulted in the final yellow card and the consequent disqualification from the race, but ended with a fall of the rider himself when trying to rejoin the peloton after riding on the sidewalk less than 4 km from the finish line. Riesebeek collided with a rider from the Ineos Grenadiers and had to abandon the race. He was taken to the Jette hospital, where fractures were ruled out.

The suspension leaves Riesebeek out of the Dutch National Championship, which will be held this week in his hometown, Ede. However, it will not affect his participation in the Tour de France, where he is expected to be part of the sprint lead-out train for Jasper Philipsen.

It is worth noting that, had he not been suspended now, Riesebeek would have risked a more severe sanction if he had received a third yellow card in the following 30 days. According to the new regulations, three cards in 30 days imply a 14-day suspension, and six cards in a year entail a one-month suspension.