"If you don't take risks, you won't be in a position to sprint" - Laurence Pithie responds to Hugo Hofstetter's criticism

Stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia saw a crash mid-sprint; but the urban finale in Francavilla al Mare saw the sprinters go on a full-on battle for positioning. Amongst these was Laurence Pithie, who responds to criticism of his dangerous behaviour in the peloton.

In words of Israel - Premier Tech's Hugo Hofstetter, Pithie is "the only one who does not brake and steers inwards. He doesn't care about others." This was not a declaration taken with much satisfaction from the Groupama - FDJ camp. Pithie told Eurosport this morning: "I cannot say much else about his statements. Everyone has their opinion. I try to ride as safely as possible and take as few risks as possible, but sprinting simply entails risks.”

Pithie has struggled with form over the opening week of the Giro, but has been improving and this Wednesday finished fourth in the flat bunch sprint - a strong result for a rider who prefers the short climbs. However his approach to the sprint was not safe according to one of his rivals. "As cyclists we simply take risks. It is incredibly hectic and dangerous when you race at seventy kilometers per hour," the Kiwi argues. 

"If you don't take risks, you won't be in a position to sprint. I'm the first to look in the mirror when I do something wrong. Then I also apologize. The goal is also not to endanger other riders. Yesterday's course was extremely technical, with many roundabouts and narrow passages. You had to sit at the front. As his form improves, he could be a strong contender for today's 12th stage, even though a bunch sprint is not expected.