Tour de France cyclist kicked out for hitting competitor

Team Sky rider Gianni Moscon was expelled after he appeared to deliberately hit a fellow cyclist.|

CARCASSONNE, France — Team Sky rider Gianni Moscon was expelled from the Tour de France on Sunday after he appeared to deliberately hit a fellow cyclist during the race.

The Italian lashed out at French rider Elie Gesbert of Team Fortuneo while both were competing during Stage 15 from Millau to Carcassonne.

Sky team principal Dave Brailsford said in a statement that 'we support and accept the decision by the race organizers to exclude Gianni Moscon from the Tour de France.'

Brailsford said Sky would consider taking further action against Moscon after the Tour concludes next weekend.

The 24-year-old Moscon was suspended by Sky for six weeks last year for using a racial slur against an opponent.

His expulsion leaves Sky with seven riders.

Sky's Geraint Thomas is leading the race ahead of teammate Chris Froome after 15 of 21 stages.

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