TREK UPHOLDS SIMMONS SUSPENSION

Team Trek-Segafredo suspended 19-year-old American cycling hopeful Quinn Simmons from racing “until further notice” after he posted pro-Donald Trump tweets which the team described as “divisive, incendiary and damaging”.

On Wednesday, Simmons responded to a tweet by cycling journalist Jose Been that read “if you follow me and support Trump, you can go”, by posting the word “bye” and a hand-waving emoji in a black skin tone.

Bye ????????

— Quinn Simmons (@QuinnSimmons9) September 30, 2020

Announcing the suspension, the team called the post “divisive, inflammatory and harmful to the team, professional cycling.”

“He will not be racing for Trek-Segafredo until further notice.”

UPDATED STATEMENT

Thursday, the team clarified the reason for the suspension in a second statement.

Statement from Trek-Segafredo and Quinn Simmons. pic.twitter.com/WvtK9htYWN

— Trek-Segafredo (@TrekSegafredo) October 1, 2020

“Quinn Simmons was not been suspended for his political opinions. He was suspended for engaging in a conversation on Twitter in a way that we felt was conduct unbefitting a Trek athlete,” it said.

The statement included an explanation from the rider.

“For those who find the color of the emoji racist, I can promise you that it was not my intention that it should be interpreted in this way,” said Simmons.

“As an American rider, I have always, been proud to represent my country. Riding for an American team has been a lifelong dream. A big reason I chose this team was because of the American values behind it.

“To those who found the color of the emoji racist, I can promise that I did not mean for it to be interpreted that way. I would like to apologize to everyone who found this offensive as I strongly stand against racism in any form.

“To anyone who disagrees with me politically, that is fine. I won’t hate you for it. I only ask the same.”

Simmons joined Trek-Segafredo this year after winning the 2019 junior road world championship in England.

RBA/AFP Photos: Bettini