Elite American cyclist Quinn Simmons suspended over 'incendiary' Trump tweet
An American WorldTour cyclist has been suspended by his team after making an "incendiary" post regarding US president Donald Trump.
Quinn Simmons responded to a tweet by cycling journalist José Been that read "if you follow me and support Trump, you can go”, with the word “bye” and a hand-waving emoji in a black skin tone. Simmons is white.Following a backlash on Twitter, his team Trek-Segafredo issued a statement saying the 19-year-old had been suspended until further notice.
It said the team “does not condone comments or actions from its riders that add to divisive conversations".
“Regrettably, team rider Quinn Simmons made statements online that we feel are divisive, incendiary, and detrimental to the team, professional cycling, its fans, and the positive future we hope to help create for the sport," it said.
"In response, he will not be racing for Trek-Segafredo until further notice.
"The team and its partners will work together to determine how we will move forward and keep fans and the public informed as to the decisions made in the matter.”
Simmons joined Trek-Segafredo this year after winning the 2019 junior road world championship in Yorkshire.
The journalist whose original tweet - since deleted - sparked Simmons' response, said it would "never be my choice" to suspend the cyclist.
Mr Trump refused to denounce white supremacy during Tuesday night's acrimonious presidential debate with Joe Biden.
When specifically asked if he would condemn white supremacists and militia groups, the incumbent president was quick to shift the focus onto anti-fascist campaign group Antifa.
Mr Trump was offered the chance to criticise the neo-fascist group the Proud Boys but instead said “stand back and stand by”.
His response prompted widespread criticism that forced him to attempt to backtrack on his comments as he denied even knowing who the Proud Boys were.