VIDEO | Controversial ending to Liege-Bastogne-Liege juniors involving police motorcycle disaster

While the spotlight has been fixed firmly on the Giro d’Italia in recent days, a dramatic and controversial finish unfolded at the Liège–Bastogne–Liège Under-19 race that has sparked outrage and formal complaints.

In the final sprint of the UCI 1.1 Junior edition, British rider Harry Hudson was declared the winner after a chaotic finale on the iconic climb of La Redoute. Hudson and Belgian Leander De Gendt were locked in a two-man duel to the line when a police motorcycle strayed into the racing line, appearing to obstruct De Gendt at a crucial moment. The incident allowed Hudson to cross the line first and take victory.

The result immediately drew protest from De Gendt’s team, Cannibal–Victorious U19 Development Team, who argue that the race outcome was unfairly altered by the interference.

Francis Van Mechelen, team manager of Cannibal–Victorious and father of professional rider Vlad Van Mechelen, took to Facebook to voice his frustration. “We are filing a complaint with the UCI now against the result and are asking for an Ex aequo for both riders who went to the finish together on La Redoute!!” he wrote.

The demand for an “Ex aequo”, a rare decision in which two riders are officially awarded joint victory, reflects the severity of the protest and the extraordinary nature of the incident.

The senior edition of Liège–Bastogne–Liège took place last month, with Tadej Pogacar winning the prestigious Monument for a third time. But even he has never had to navigate an obstacle quite like this! The events in the junior race have raised questions about race organisation and safety, and could prompt a closer look at vehicle management in youth and development-level competitions.