Viral video lands Higuita in hot water

Sergio Higuita was spotted flying up a climb at the Giro de Rigo, a mass participation event run by fellow Colombian Rigoberto Uran, but on next year's bike rather than his current team's sponsored product.

Sergio Higuita on the move during Stage 18 of La Vuelta. Source: Getty

It's an established part of being a professional, you're a pedalling billboard for the team sponsors and you must wear sponsor correct kit and use sponsored equipment for the duration of your contract. The fuzzy grey area comes when riders are announced to be moving to a new team, are done with racing for their old team but are still technically part of that squad until the calendar flips to 2022. 

That was the situation in Colombia as Sergio Higuita found himself in hot water with EF Education after being filmed sprinting uphill past a group of recreational cyclists with Dani Martinez (INEOS Grenadiers).

The video went viral and it soon became clear that Higuita was not on his EF-Nippo Cannondale, but rather riding a Specialized model, the sponsors of 2022 team BORA-hansgrohe. This was met by a swift response from EF-Nippo, with the team confirming to Cyclingnews that they have sent a notice of termination to Sergio Higuita as they look to end his contract with immediate effect.

"We recognize Sergio needs time to adjust to his new equipment, as he’s heading to a new team next season. Riders routinely request permission before using new equipment at team camps and in non-public settings, which the team routinely grants," a spokesperson for the team said.

"Additionally, outgoing athletes can ride unbranded bikes from their new teams after the final WorldTour race of the season, per the current AIGCP/CPA joint agreement contract template.

"However, this was not the case regarding Sergio’s recent decision to ride a bike outside of team issue at the Giro de Rigo, which lacked respect for the partners that support him today. As a result, the team has sent a notice of termination regarding his contract. We ultimately hope to work with Sergio to come to an amicable solution."