Sagan-led Liquigas team detained by Omani authorities for lewd behavior

The entire Liquigas team was detained by Omani authorities Monday after government officials monitored “lewd” pictures being exchanged between riders while they prepared for the first stage on Tuesday.

Peter Sagan, Daniel Oss and Elia Viviani in an example of "lewd" behavior according to the Omani Government (Photo by Bettini, courtesy of cyclingnews.com)

The government of Oman – known for its censorship of Internet sites that are deemed “pornographic” – also engages in the active monitoring of all cell phones, Web chat rooms, and social media platforms to prevent the exchange of anti-government information and “lewd behavior.” Noted member of the cycling team 1t4i, Simon Geschke, even took to Twitter to issue a veiled warning earlier in the week to those heading to Oman.

However, it didn’t prevent the detention of the Liquigas team, when star sprinter Peter Sagan allegedly sent another sauna photograph to Daniel Oss, in what seems to be a running team joke that started at training camp. Oss, in turn, allegedly sent them to fellow teammates. The photos in question were tagged “Full Moon,” “Trouser Snake,” and “Old Red Eye.”

“While this behavior may be acceptable in other regions, we expect that the cycling people respect our laws and customs while riding on our soil. We have paid extravagant dollars to the UCI in order to project a friendly tourist environment, and this pornographic behavior is a spit in the face,” commented Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the Oman foreign affairs minister.

Robert Amadio, Liquigas team manager, commented to the press from Italy, “We are working through diplomatic channels as we speak. This is all a big misunderstanding. We gather that should the right people be spoken to, we will have the team ready for the first stage tomorrow without any additional trouble.”

UCI president Pat McQuaid was blunt on the subject.

“Look, these boys need to understand that they have to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. This isn’t some sort of American university frat party. This isn’t American Pies. This is cycling. And if they want to race, they have to abide by the rules of all the oppressive regimes where we set up our races,” stated McQuaid.

Fellow members of the peloton were quick to defend the Liquigas team. However, rumors of a “set up” by Tyler Farrar to “tilt sprint victories in his favor” by having Sagan, Oss, and the Liquigas team detained were hinted by unnamed RadioShack-Nissan team members.

Stage one of the Tour of Oman starts from the Royal Palace on Tuesday, and should have team Liquigas at the start.