Cycling: The fans of Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe) have waited and hoped for a long time. But now it's official: The jury of the Tour de France has not withdrawn the disqualification of the world champion. So he will no longer be at the start of the fifth stage and will leave the Tour of France.
Back and forth in the Peter Sagan vs. Mark Cavendish case
Can Peter Sagan start or not? This question has been moving the cycling world since the end of the fourth stage. The Tour de France jury initially decided to nominate Peter Sagan after the Fall of Mark Cavendish set back and penalized with a deduction of points in the sprint classification. After an objection from Cavendish's Dimension Data team, it was then decided Banning Peter Sagan entirely from the Tour de France. As a result, there were not only violent protests from cycling fans, but also an objection from the Bora-hansgrohe team. This appeal was dismissed today and the previous verdict stands: Sagan must leave the 2017 Tour de France!
What actually happened?
On fourth stage of the Tour de France it was quiet for long stretches. When it came to the last few meters, however, events came to a head. The focus of the day was suddenly no longer the first French day's victory by Arnaud Démare (FDJ), but the collision between Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan. At first glance, it looked as if the world champion had pushed his opponent Mark Cavendish into the gang with an elbow. However, after closer inspection of the TV images, more and more people realized that there was no elbow blow. Rather, it was a classic racing accident in which it is very difficult to assign blame. Nevertheless, the Tour de France jury decided to withdraw Peter Sagan from the competition and continue the tour without the world champion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMSRbpOLIAk
What's next for Mark Cavendish & Peter Sagan?
Unfortunately for Mark Cavendish, the Tour de France 2017 is just as stuck as for Peter Sagan. The Brit was taken to hospital after his fall. There, the doctors found a fracture of the shoulder blade. The Tour de France is also over early for the sprint star. The German John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo), who also fell, can continue. Today, however, he will not play a role. Because at the fifth stage of the Tour de France a mountain finish awaits the pros.
Peter Sagan: "I don't agree with the decision, but I have to accept it. I did nothing wrong."
Christian S says
Apparently, but I haven't been able to check this yet, the race stewards also put Sagan on the slip of paper as responsible or jointly responsible for the fall a few kilometers before the finish line and therefore tightened the original penalty again. That hint just came live on ONE. Maybe someone here has the time to check it out?