'I found it very strange' – Jan Willem van Schip disqualified again

Jan Willem van Schip faced disqualification for the third time in recent months during the final stage of the 2.2 UCI classified Ronde de L'Oise. The Dutch rider of Azerion-Villa Valkenburg commented on the situation by expressing confusion about the disqualification, which he claimed arose from a water bottle tucked into the front of his jersey.

In an Instagram post, Van Schip detailed the chaos surrounding his disqualification, stating, "I attack and tuck my water bottle under my shirt. The jury rode past immediately, and I asked: ‘Is my cycling position okay now?’ The man completely freaked out. I asked: ‘What is the problem? Can I hide the water bottle with you, or do I have to throw it away here?’

"I found it very strange," he continued, lamenting the unclear nature of the rules and the absence of clarity regarding his disqualification. He explained that he had only been informed after the fact that he was disqualified due to the water bottle in his jersey.

The disqualification leads to a fine of CHF 200, as cited in the jury report, which references rule 2.12.007 3.2, focused on the use of non-compliant clothing. Additionally, Van Schip faced further penalties under rule 2.12.007 8.1 for failing to respect instructions from race officials, adding another CHF 100 to his fine.

The nature of his breach remains somewhat ambiguous. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced a new regulation that prohibits internal pockets on jerseys to prevent riders from utilizing items which may provide aerodynamic advantages. This rule is set to come into effect on July 1; it is unclear if Van Schip's jersey had this feature.

Previously, he had received a disqualification in the Tour of Hellas, where he was punished for an unsafe cycling position. His history of disqualifications also includes incidents during the Tour of Holland in October 2025, and a DQ in 2024 at Heistse Pijl.

Despite Van Schip's difficulties, his team managed to achieve a stage victory thanks to Mathis Avondts during the race, while Stef Koning served as the best-placed rider for Azerion-Villa Valkenburg, finishing overall behind the winner, Australian champion Patrick Eddy of Team Brennan.