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Yesterday’s opening stage of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque probably would have flown under the radar for all but the most committed racing fan. A race with a smattering of WorldTour talent, but mainly pro and continental teams. However, the sprint finish on day one has been thrust into the spotlight after a frightening crash as the sprinters lunged towards the line.
🇫🇷 @arviddekleijn flies to second place on stage 1 of #4JDD, avoiding danger in a hectic final 🥈 #HumanPoweredHealth pic.twitter.com/GDJLp5VZBb
— Human Powered Health (@HumanPwrdHealth) May 3, 2022
Lotto-Soudal’s Arnaud De Lie thought he saw a gap between Brit Dan McLay and Sam Welsford. Aussie Welsford poked his elbow out to shut the door, only to nudge the surging De Lie into McLay, causing one almighty fall. Ultimately, Welsford was relegated, Arvid De Klijn — who somehow evaded the contact — won, and De Lie crossed the line on his back in sixth (but later abandoned the race with concussion).
So…what to make of it?
Despite some pointing blame at the finish…
As long as organisers break the parcours guidelines and add bends in the final sprint, we’re destined to have sprint deviations. #4JDD
— Benji Naesen (@BenjiNaesen) May 3, 2022
That was disputed by one of the riders involved (and most-badly impacted), McLay, who also stuck up for his rivals too…
1. The finish was pretty straightforward, I’ve not seen many more simple than that and I don’t think the road had much to do with the incident. For the rest of the parcours there was plenty of things we could talk about.
— Dan McLAY (@McLAYDan) May 3, 2022
3. I’m more or less ok incase anyone is interested
— Dan McLAY (@McLAYDan) May 3, 2022
Back at home, others had different views on the incident…
Clear elbow by Welsford. Minor deviation but it did clearly cause the crash. There was a gap, Welsford closed it, if anyone’s at fault it’s Welsford. De Kleijn definitely deserves a relegation for the elbow, though #4JDD
— Jens Dekker (@jens_dekker) May 3, 2022
Another race another serious crash, fortunately seemingly without serious injury. Blame is an interesting topic. ~19/20 crashes are rider error, a mistake in the heat of battle which is only human 1/2
— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) May 4, 2022
Hardly ever is a crash intentional but the stakes, pressure and desire to win are higher than ever meaning less caution is take = more crashes. Whoever causes the crash will feel terrible. There’s no reason to point the finger 2/2
— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) May 4, 2022
What do you think?
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