An American professional cyclist was suspended from his team this week after showing support for President Trump on Twitter. Trek-Segafredo suspended Quinn Simmons for what the team called “divisive” comments on his personal Twitter account.
The 19-year-old reacted to a tweet from Dutch journalist Jose Been in which she said she hoped for her American friends that “this horrible presidency ends for you,” adding “if you follow me and support Trump, you can go.”
Simmons replied to Been, saying “Bye” with a dark-skinned hand emoji waving.
Simmons was then asked in the comments if he was a “Trumper”. He said, “That’s right” and included an emoji of an American flag.
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Per the statement, Simmons is suspended from the team until further notice.
“Regrettably, team rider Quinn Simmons made statements online that we feel are divisive, incendiary, and detrimental to the team, professional cycling, its fans, and the positive future we hope to help create for the sport,” Trek-Segafredo said in a statement, via ESPN. “(He) will not be racing for Trek-Segafredo until further notice.”
Quinn Simmons won a gold medal at the 2019 Junior Road Race in Yorkshire. He finished second at the 2020 Tour de Hongrie.
