"For us it's also a matter of trust in cycling" - Lotto Dstny file official complaint to UCI following GP Jean-Pierre Monseré sprint

The GP Jean-Pierre Monseré has been in the headlines for several days, however not for the best reasons. Lotto Dstny have officially filed a complaint over the lack of evidence that Caleb Ewan was beaten on the day by Gerben Thijssen.

"We filed an official request to see actual proof that it's Gerben Thijssen who won the race, and not Caleb. For the moment, this has not been presented to us, so for us it's an official request to see the proof," a representative of Lotto Dstny has told Cyclingnews. 

Read also

GP Jean-Pierre Monseré explains photo-finish drama: "This task should be done by the Belgian cycling federation and the UCI"

This Sunday's race ended in a sprint, an incredibly tight one between Ewan and Thijssen. The Australian was already in the same situation only a few weeks ago when he and Tim Merlier battled on the opening day of the UAE Tour. Eventually after several minutes of analysis, Intermarché's Belgian sprinter was awarded the win officially.

"Our directeur sportif, Nikolas Maes, was with the race directors for about an hour after the race, where it was impossible for them to provide the actual proof, other than the picture that I think everyone has seen on social media, where it's very blurry and you cannot really decide who wins the race," he continued.

Read also

"On those bikes he'd pedal 2 km/h faster" - Tom Boonen believes Tadej Pogacar would benefit from a different bike brand

Then, Caleb Ewan himself took to social media, sharing pictures which seemed to show the Australian crossing the line first. Adding insult to the injury, the photo-finish that was used was also revealed, displaying large inaccuracy. The race organizers have since explained the photo-finish's responsibility is of the Belgian Cycling Federation and the UCI. Hence, Lotto Dstny have filed a complaint. 

"For us it's also a matter of trust in cycling. For us it [the result] doesn't really matter. We would prefer to have a clear picture where it's Gerben Thijssen who wins, because then at least it's clear. For the moment, it's not clear and we feel that if they decide to give the win to him, at least they should be able to prove this," the spokesperson concluded. 

Read also

Lance Armstrong critical of Van der Poel after modest Strade Bianche performance - "High expectations of him, but where was his team"

"Did he ask you if you want to ruin his career?" Gianni Vermeersch controversy at Strade Bianche leads to further criticism from the peloton

Caleb Ewan

@CalebEwan

·Follow

Here’s another one. If anyone’s got photo of big G clearly beating me it would actually make me feel a bit better to be honest🙈

2.2K

Reply

Copy link

Read 84 replies