Tour de France: Kiwi George Bennett tweets frustration at drafting riders

Kiwi George Bennett in action during stage one of the 2017 Tour de France. Photo/AP Photos

Tour de France cycling hero George Bennett has found the energy to take a shot at race officials for allowing riders to slipstream off TV motorbikes.

The Kiwi slipped a spot to 12th overall in the general classification overnight, after another 189km grueling hill from Laissac-Severac-l'Eglise to Le Puy-en-Velay.

Bennett finished 32nd, 6min 25sec behind Dutch stage winner Bauke Mollema, with several of his rivals finishing ahead of him.

But afterwards, the Nelson rider was active on Twitter, blasting officials for turning a blind eye to drafting.

"UCI cycling comms have a cry over taking water from a spectator but turn a blind eye to teams riding on the back of the tv moto??" he tweeted.

"I'm not having a go at any riders, I would do the same - just get them out of the way."

Last week, Bennett was penalised 20 seconds for accepting a drink from a bystander, but later had the penalty withdrawn on appeal.

. @UCI_cycling comms have a cry over taking water from a spectator but turn a blind eye to teams riding on the back of the tv moto??

— George Bennett? (@georgenbennett) July 16, 2017

"Anyway, made it to the rest day. Massive shout out to the boys for their help and huge thanks to everyone for the support ... onwards!" he tweeted.

After 15 stages, the peleton will enjoy their second rest day of the race, with Briton Chris Froome still wearing the yellow jersey, despite a mechanical drama today.

Three other Kiwis are still in the field - rookies Patrick Bevin (109th) and Dion Smith (124th), and veteran Jack Bauer (116th).