Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgroh) defended the maneuver that saw him tempted from second place on Stage 11 of the Tour de France, claiming that he would avoid hitting the ad bollard only between the obstacles in his line and in the vest of Wart van Art. On the side of the road.
The race jury stripped Sagan at the back of the peloton after he concluded that he had tied Wanert to his shoulder in the Jean Stage closing meter at the end of the blanket by Cleb Evan (Lotto Sodal).
This is a huge blow to Sagan’s hopes of winning the points classification for the eighth time in a lifetime. In addition to losing points for second place on stage, the Slovakian was also awarded a 13-point penalty, meaning he started 68 rounds with the green jersey of Sam Bennett (Disunink-Quickstep).
Irishm stage 12 of 51 km. Then increased its lead to 70 points in the intermediate sprint.
“Yesterday could have been a good day but in the end, those were the days so, you know. I don’t know what to say,” said Sagan. EuroSport At the beginning of phase 12 in Chauvigny.
The three-time world champion indicated that he strayed from his line just to avoid clipping an ad bollard out of obstacles.
“I made my line. I went back and I saw some space there, ”said Sagan.
“You know, I saw that the obstacles were very close, but in the middle of the obstacles there was something branding, there were some poles, going 90 degrees out. If I continue to do so for sure I touch it with my handlebars, so I’m left with a bit. I don’t think it’s a risky move. I don’t think so. “
Sagan reiterated this clarification in an interview with ITV, where he insisted that he did not intentionally seek to block or stop Van Art. The Belgian expressed his displeasure by raising his middle finger after completing the fourth (later upgraded to the third) on stage, and fined him 200CHF for the gesture.
“I have to accept that [the commissaires’ decision], ”Said Sagan.
“I did my own sprint, I didn’t make it once to block someone or something. I don’t think I did. I was fighting to save myself. ”
In a further interview with France Televisions And RTBF, Sagan was asked about Van Art’s reaction to the maneuver.
“After all this is over, everyone can react overwhelmingly. It is a question of emotions, “said Sagan. “It simply came to our notice then. He’s young and strong, but he should also get a little lighter. “
He laughed when asked by Van Art Sporza To respond to Sagan’s comments.
“I think it’s better if I don’t answer it.” “Of course, I reacted to myself yesterday, but not really. I freely accept. Maybe that wasn’t the right start to the conversation. ”
