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

Drama has unfolded after yesterday's GP Jean-Pierre Monseré, as Gerben Thijssen defeated Caleb Ewan in a narrow photo-finish sprint. However, pictures seemed to show a different winner and Ewan himself took to social media to share these pictures. Race organizers have now responded to the happenings.

“Yesterday, Sunday 5 March, our Grand Prix Monseré had a beautiful finale and denouement. As organizers, we are also happy with our podium, which exudes quality and class," race organizers have said in a post-race note. "Understandably, a lot of attention afterwards went to the photo finish to determine the winner. As the organizer we have no responsibility for the organization of this finish line and the finish photo. This task should be done by the Belgian cycling federation and the UCI.”

In place was a photo-finish that looked absolutely unclear. The picture used by the organization to decide the winner could not actually reveal the race winner, a flaw that has been shared, pointed out and criticized over social media. The blame for that situation does not rely on the race itself but the Belgian federation and the UCI, the organizers agues.

“The fact that it was so close between Gerben Thijssen and Caleb Ewan is a race situation that nobody can do anything about. That was also the reason why the podium ceremony took so long. The jury did everything in their power to select the right winner in good conscience," they claim. Pictures seemed to show Ewan crossing the line first, in what is an incredibly race situation in pro cycling.