Molano disqualified from Dauphiné: "I made a dangerous mistake", lost first place from peloton

The sixth stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné saw the breakaway succeed, and Juan Sebastián Molano was the first rider to cross the finish line, taking seventh place in the day for UAE Team Emirates. However, that result was soon turned into a disqualification.

Molano was involved in a spat with green jersey Hugo Page towards the finale of the stage, in an argument that is believed to have originated in the work - or lack of understanding - between the two teams who intended on having a bunch sprint decide the stage. Molano hit the French rider from Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux, a spat that was captured by the race's helicopter camera. Although it didn't have immediate effect, Molano was as expected disqualified after the finale of the stage.

"On the run-in to the finish it was fast and tense and in the heat of the moment I made a dangerous mistake. I'd like to apologise to Hugo Page and to all the riders for what happened," Molano has already came out to say. He has not been having a strong season up to date and has suffered from the hilly stages in the race up until today.

After UAE Team Emirates lost Juan Ayuso before the start of the stage, it proved a very costy day for the lineup. "I understand why I was disqualified and can only say I regret it and learn from it," he concluded.