"I didn't see any barriers on either side. It was all very confusing" - Explanation given from first rider to go the wrong way in chaotic Volta ao Algarve stage finish

In the chaos and confusion of the finale to stage 1 of the 2025 Volta ao Algarve, the majority of the peloton ended up lost and on the wrong side of the barriers. The man who led the peloton round the wrong turning, has now given his explanation.

"It's a stupid mistake, but there was no clear signalling," explains Lotto's Jarrad Drizners in post-stage quotes collected by Sporza, having initially been planned for leadout duty in support of Arnaud De Lie in the finale. "If you watch the replay, you'll see me in the middle of the roundabout already looking around."

"There were no barriers either, until we were on the straight. It happened so quickly and instinct took over. We had reconnaissance yesterday, but it was very unclear and that costs everyone in the peloton dearly," continues the Aussie. "I didn't see any barriers on either side. It was all very confusing. I think everyone in the peloton will confirm that it was very unclear. There was also a lot of confusion on the team bus afterwards."

Although a somewhat embarrassing situation for Drizners, it didn't actually end up being all that costly as the Volta ao Algarve have since cancelled the stage results. "Everyone makes mistakes. I was just unlucky to be the first one on the roundabout," Drizners concludes. "On to a better day tomorrow."