UPDATE II: Appeal rejected! Michael Matthews relegation off Tour of Flanders podium confirmed

Although Mathieu van der Poel was a clear winner, the fight for the podium behind was an incredibly exciting and dramatic one at the 2024 Tour of Flanders.

Luca Mozzato sensationally won the sprint for second and although Michael Matthews was close behind in third, the Australian has now been relegated due to his sprint being all over the road. Heartbreaking for the Team Jayco AlUla leader after such a strong ride, but the big beneficiary of the incident is UAE Team Emirates' Nils Politt who leaps up onto the third step of the podium.

Team Jayco AlUla and Matthews are understandably, not best pleased by the race jury's decision. "We're going to do what we can. This is not yet a done deal," said Sports Director Mathew Hayman in conversation with Wielerflits.

Hayman has since confirmed however, the appeal was rejected by race jury. “I don't think Michael is doing anything wrong. The only one who can explain this is the UCI, because we don't understand it," he reveals. "We quickly consulted with our general manager, after which it was decided to appeal. We are all very disappointed, but Michael is of course the most.”

See the sprint for yourself down below and judge whether or not you agree with the decision!