"I did not make a mistake" - Arnaud De Lie aims fury at race jury after crashing out of contention at Le Samyn

Arnaud De Lie was the pre-race favourite to take victory at Le Samyn on Tuesday afternoon. Sadly for the Lotto Dstny star though, a crash meant that was not to be.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, De Lie was visibly furious. “Yes, I hit the ground myself, but I did not make a mistake,” the Belgian told Wielerflits post-race, directing that fury at the car of the race jury. “I was calm and didn't take any risks, but suddenly the brakes came on in front of me. I still don't know why. I don't understand what the jury did there, by braking like that in that corner."

Whilst initially it looked as if De Lie was shouting expletives at his Lotto Dstny car, sports director Dirk Demol revealed it was actually at the race jury the Belgian was mad at. Now, De Lie has explained further. "I came at a lot of speed, but the cars in front of me were standing still. I was so very surprised. You shouldn't brake at a point like that, right? If that support car – I don't remember which team – just comes at its speed, I won't fall. I am really sure of that,” says the 21-year-old.

“It is difficult to remain calm. I had a chance to win the race. If you have legs like that… And when I look at the sprint, victory was definitely possible. But now maybe a victory is eluding me. So I have to thank them,” he concludes. “My knee – that same knee again – is a bit damaged. But luckily it's not a big deal. I'll work on the farm a little now and everything will be fine. My confidence is certainly not gone. Paris-Nice is coming up very soon. I am ready. That is the most important."