2019 junior champion Simmons faced an immediate backlash after using a black hand emoji to wave at a Trump opponent in a tweet, bidding a virtual farewell to a journalist who had labeled the president "vile" and "horrible" while wishing defeat upon the Republicans in next month's US presidential election.

The presidential election is taking place against a backdrop of heightened awareness and debate around race issues, and some readers were quick to ask starlet Simmons why he had chosen to use a black hand in his message.

Simmons reacted after Dutch reporter Jose Been wrote: "My dear American friends, I hope this horrible presidency ends for you and for us as (former?) allies, too.

"If you follow me and support Trump, you can go. There is zero excuse to follow or vote for this vile, horrible man."

After replying with "bye" and a black hand to Been, Simmons told a cyclist and writer who also shunned him for backing a "hateful, racist fascist": "What a loss".

Shortly afterwards, US team Trek-Segafredo announced that the 19-year-old would not race for them "until further notice", revealing their decision alongside a statement by the rider pleading with people not to hate him over political disagreements.

Supporters of Simmons were left furious. "They talk about diversity but cannot accept different opinions," said one.