Morning Headlines: ASO up to keep out Froome from the Tour | Ovechkin wins Langwaki stage 5 | Yates abandons Catalunya

ASO might prevent Froome from taking part to Tour de France 

ASO is reflecting on preventing Chris Froome from participating to the 2018 Tour de France in case the four times Grande Boucle winner’s case will not be solved before July. Tour de France retains more strict clauses (to the Giro d’Italia ones, for instance) to the participants aimed at preserving the likeness of the race. UCI at the moment has not counted out yet the possibility of supporting ASO’s cause and Tour de France organisers are not worried about engaging a legal dispute with Team Sky.

Ovechkin wins Tour de Langkawi stage 5 and gets the overall lead

Artem Ovechkin (Terengganu Cycling Team) wins solo the 2018 Tour de Langkawi stage 5. Former Gazprom-Rusvelo rider attacked with over 25 kilometers remaining, chased the breakaway and with 12 kilometers to go went clear and got the victory on the traditional uphill finish of Cameron Highlands. Ben Dyball (St. George) finished in second 22″ behind the Russian whereas Emanuel Gebreigzabhier in third: Dyball is also the GC runner-up but Harrison Sweeney (Mitchelton-Bike Exchange) got the overall provisional podium.

Adam Yates forced to abandon Volta a Catalunya

Adam Yates will not take part to Volta a Catalunya stage 4. Mitchelton-Scott leader crashed heavily within the last kilometer of racing on yesterday stage 3 and he’s not able anymore to get back on the saddle. The Brit hit the tailbone on the ground and was taken to the hospital for further inspection. Yates was not feeling like to restart and in this way withdraws from the Calatan stage race.