Officiele reden is: -
We are sorry to announce that cap # 9, Thijs Verbrugghe has been removed from the race for breaking rule #2, unsupported race.
Dit is een opmerking van z'n teambaas:
Dear followers, we will try to explain what happened to Thijs. It all started with this picture made by his father and posted by myself on this FB page. The organisation made the decision that they see here support from others meaning a can of coke in Thijs his hands and a supermarket bag next to him. This decision is made based on wrong assumptions because Yes these products are bought by a fan of Thijs but No this can is not coming from this bag and Thijs did not take anything from the bag. After our explanation we are informed that it is not allowed to follow Thijs and see how he is doing. We were not aware that it is forbidden, see others doing the same and the reason why is because we need content for his sponsors. We asked the organization te recall the decision but so far without any result. Please don’t show any frustration about this here on FB because that will not help Thijs and the organization with this event. Next to that it is a message to other fans and followers, stay away from the riders because the organization does not appriciate this based on the rules provided in advance. We are very sorry about the situation and hope that the organization is recalling the decision made.
Als ik de rules bekijk op de pagina:
1. Riders must complete the full course from start to finish under their own power.
2. Riders must be fully self-supported.
3. No Drafting at any time.
(pair riders may draft each other)
4. Riders must follow the Dutch laws at any time.
5. Riders are required to use a provided GPS device.
6. No prize money.
En vergelijk met de uitleg, dan snap ik persoonlijk de uitsluiting niet. Buiten dat, ik zie postings langskomen die herhaalderlijk rule #4 breken (Overnachten in een vogelkijkhut bijvoorbeeld, en als je echt wil mierenneuken, ik schat dat er ook wel een aantal zijn die niet altijd hun hand uitsteken bij het veranderen van richting).