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Video: Peter Sagan barges rider during Gent-Wevelgem

Meanwhile Tom Boonen has a bit of a dig about Sagan’s own post-race complaints

Peter Sagan has responded to footage of him shouldering Belgian rider Maxime Vantomme out of the way during Gent-Wevelgem by saying “I’m sorry but these things happen.”

The incident happened on the Kemmelberg climb as the eventual winner Greg Van Avermaet was attacking.

Sagan can be seen at the very bottom of the shot, moving towards Vantomme on his left before seemingly body-checking him out of the way.

When the footage was brought to his attention, Sagan said:

Vantomme himself doesn’t seem too bothered, observing:

Tom Boonen also acknowledged the incident, but said only:

Boonen did however have stronger words for Sagan’s post-race comments about team-mate Niki Terpstra.

The Slovak had observed, “It’s not sport, it’s a cheap game,” about his rival’s refusal to work with him.

Boonen responded:

Coffee stop turns into chat with Peter Sagan for one road.cc reader

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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7 comments

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don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
0 likes

Close pass 102.

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BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
0 likes

losing your balance on a flat bit of tarmac, ok, that'll be it

Clearly a deliberate 'pay back' barge IMHO. This time he got away with it both from a commisaire POV but also not causing a pile up, but just like kittel could end up getting a twatting for his troubles if he carries on acting like this.

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Harmanhead | 6 years ago
0 likes

  You don't win races by being the gentleman. Especially in the classics! 

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mikecassie | 6 years ago
1 like

Looks like he deliberately barged him, not saying there maybe wasn't something earlier which wasn't seen that Sagan felt needed payback.  But in saying that, he's the WC so should be above dirty tricks...  

If other cyclists see this and thnk it ok to barge people out of the way it will end badly eventually.

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Grizzerly | 6 years ago
0 likes

What on earth is the fuss about? As Sagan said,  these things happen in racing all the time.  Nobody crashed because they are professional riders and they are used to riding in close proximity. 

I've seen worse than that on a club run, warranting nothing more than a shouted  "Sorry, mate! " or " Careful! ".

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JohnnyRemo | 6 years ago
1 like

When you see the footage from the spectator on the Kemmelberg, Sagan has clearly lost his balance and bumps Vantomme as he tries to stay upright. Most would have fallen.

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Liaman replied to JohnnyRemo | 6 years ago
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JohnnyRemo wrote:

When you see the footage from the spectator on the Kemmelberg, Sagan has clearly lost his balance and bumps Vantomme as he tries to stay upright. Most would have fallen.

I'm not sure about that. 
I did notice that Sagan gets a shove back though (rightly)

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