"He doesn't deserve this" - Groupama-FDJ very unhappy with decision to relegate Penhoët in chaotic Dauphiné sprint

The finale of the second stage at the Criterium du Dauphiné was very chaotic. Whilst Lidl-Trek managed to deliver Jonathan Milan to victory spotlessly, no other team had a leadout that could contest which meant every sprinter was trying to get the wheel of the Italian. This led to the relegation of Paul Penhoët who was not happy with the decision.

The Frenchman was relegated, fined and even received a yellow card for the shoulder barging that happened in the finale of the stage. He initially sprinted to fifth position on the day but lost the result due to the jury's decision.

"We take note of the decision even if we have difficulty understanding it because he was mainly trying to defend his position," Groupama-FDJ DS Benoit Vaugrenard said in a press release issued by the team. "We're disappointed because he doesn't deserve this".

"We'll keep the positives, namely the good work of the teammates, and the fact that Paul didn't have any problems on a course with a 3,000-meter elevation gain." The Frenchman sends good signs towards the rest of the race and the Tour de France, but lost a meaningful result in his young palmarès.

"He's going well, the coin just needs to fall in the right direction, and we believe in it. He finished fifth on the pedals. We're staying the course, there are some great stages left on difficult courses, and we'll try to get our revenge tomorrow."