A short statement on the team website read: “Gianni recognises that his behaviour was wrong and how seriously Team Sky take this kind of incident.

“He apologised to Kevin Reza after the stage and again to him and his team the following morning, and this apology was accepted.

“Gianni knows that there is no excuse for his behaviour and that any repeat will result in termination of his contract.”

Moscon may also face disciplinary action from the UCI, with cycling’s governing body pledging to investigate any allegation of racial abuse in the peloton.