Kristen Faulkner responded to her disqualification in Strade Bianche by saying that while she appreciates the time and effort the UCI puts in to uphold professional standards, she was "extremely disappointed," he responded in a statement.

"I never used glucose data during the competition and have provided the UCI with sufficient evidence. I have complied with all of the UCI's requests and sent an honest and detailed explanation along with proof that no race data was ever transmitted during or after the race."

"I assumed that I could race on my own device because if no data was being recorded, then there was no performance advantage at all; the UCI concluded that even if there was no data transmission and no performance advantage, wearing an unconnected patch The UCI has taken the position that even if there is no data transmission and no performance benefit, the fact that I am wearing an unconnected patch is sufficient in itself to disqualify me.

After the March 4 race, Faulkner was on the podium after a 31-km solo run, but succumbed to a chase by the SD Works duo of Demi Volering and Lotte Kopecky in the last kilometer. However, there was much talk on social media and elsewhere about the super sapiens glucose monitor visible under her left arm jersey.

And on Tuesday of this week, the UCI confirmed that the rider had been disqualified and the result changed due to "a violation of UCI Rule 1.3.006bis for wearing a continuous glucose monitoring sensor during the competition. Instead, Cecilia Uttrup-Ludwig (FDJ-Suez) took third place.

"It was never my intention to violate the rules or gain unfair advantage. I am proud to race in Strade Bianche and very disappointed with the UCI's decision."

"I hope one day glucose monitoring will be allowed in races. I believe it is a valuable tool for athletes, especially women, to manage their physical health.

The device is widely used by professional cyclists in other sports and training to control their food intake and energy levels. However, the UCI has not listened to requests from teams and glucose monitor manufacturers to allow this technology to be used in races.

Faulkner was not originally registered for Strade Bianche, but apparently had a new monitor fitted to his arm before being called up as a reserve. As a result, although not recorded, the race was a clear indication of the 30-year-old's powerful form.

"I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and hope that Strade Bianche will be one of many World Tour podiums to come," Faulkner said.