16/07/2023

"In the end it is not the motocyclist's mistake, but of all of us" - José Matxin demands change of motorbike regulations

José Antonio 'Matxin' Fernández saw his rider Tadej Pogacar lose one second on his major competitor Jonas Vingegaard. At the top of the Col de Joux Plane, however, the Slovenian was hampered by two motorbikes as he started to sprint for the bonus seconds. In the end, Vingegaard crossed the top first. However, the Spanish sports director of UAE Emirates was not too concerned.

"It's a very complex situation," he said in an interview after the stage. "In the last 700 meters Pogacar put in a strong attack to make the difference. In the end it is not the motocyclist's mistake, but of all of us."

“I still felt that lost effort in my legs, because I could no longer sprint for the bonus" - Tadej Pogacar reacts to motorbike controversy atop the Col de Joux Plane

Matxin is therefore not sure whether the motorcyclist should be punished. "The motorcycles also protected the riders, but they have to keep their distance. The UCI maintains 25 meters for the following cars, but the motorcycles are sometimes allowed to driev at the distance of two meters."

"Today Vingegaard only takes one second. Tomorrow there's another day. For now it is clear that two riders are much stronger. Tadej couldn't ride his perfect sprints today due to circumstances, but that's cycling," he said resignedly.