VIDEO: Controversial finale at Classic Brugge-De Panne as Jasper Philipsen & Tim Merlier make contact
CyclingWednesday, 20 March 2024 at 17:36
Jasper Philipsen powered to victory at Classic Brugge-De Panne on Wednesday afternoon. The win wasn't without controversy however, after the Belgian came into contact with Tim Merlier during the final sprint.
In an incredibly messy finale, leadouts were few and few between and as the sprint hopefuls came around the final corner, Philipsen was up against the barriers as he and Merlier fought for the back wheel of Danny van Poppel. As the recent Milano-Sanremo winner broke free to launch his sprint however, he came into contact with his compatriot, with Merlier visibly frustrated as he crossed the line in second.
Check it out for yourself down below and let us know what you think! Regular sprinting contact? Or is Philipsen lucky to keep his win?
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Phillipsen keeps doing these dicey sprints and escapes all punishment
Did you see it or are you judging from the photo?
There was bags of space when he moved past, it was only once he could no longer make himself disappear that Merlier started squeezing towards the barrier to move past Van Poppel and the space got tighter and tighter as Van Poppel then also started drifting towards the barrier.
If you think JP should have given way at some point to leave space for Merlier, then Merlier likewise would have had to do so for Van Poppel because they basically both did the same thing.
I’m pretty sure once Merlier reviews the images he’ll feel a bit foolish for his gesticulating.
Also, if you really look at all that’s going on at that point, there are at least 4 sets of riders all barging shoulders in the middle of the road around that moment, why pick on the one who’s squashed against the barriers?
There should be a rule that the rider right at the front has to keep his line on a straight finish.