IAM sprinter criticises decision not to disqualify Groenewegen in Eurométropole finale (video)
Oliver Naesen claims he is the rightful winner of the Tour de l'Eurometropole, saying that Dylan Groenewegen deviated from his line in the sprint
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

IAM Cycling sprinter Oliver Naesen says he cannot believe that LottoNL-Jumbo's Dylan Groenewegen was not disqualified for angling him into the barriers in the fast finale of Sunday's Tour de l'Eurométropole.
The Belgian rider was unable to pass the Dutch champion on the inside due to being pushed too close to the side of the road, having to bunny-hop an obstacle on the road and eventually finished second.
But Naesen was unhappy that the race jury didn't penalise Groenewegen for deviating from his line in the sprint, which has seen plenty of fast men relegated in years gone by.
"What a ridiculous decision of the UCI jury," said Naesen, quoted in Het Laatste Nieuws. "Has everyone seen the sprint yet? The pictures speak for themselves. Groenewegen drive me into the fences, that's super clear? I think it's just ridiculous that he wins."
Naesen said he was "the rightful winner" of the race, claiming that Groenewegen should be downgraded in the results.
UCI rules state that 'riders shall be strictly forbidden to deviate from the lane they selected when launching the sprint and, in doing so, endangering others.'
CyclingHub tweeted a side-by-side comparison video of the Groenewegen/Naesen sprint and the disqualification of Nacer Bouhanni at the Cyclassics Hamburg for narrowly veering into Caleb Ewan's line.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
Flying Dutchwoman: Lorena Wiebes on pressure, winning at the Tour de France, and leaving DSM
The SD Worx rider won 22 races in 2022, including two stages at the Tour de France Femmes and a clean sweep at the RideLondon Classique. She told Adam Becket how she did it
By Adam Becket • Published
-
CW Live: Bolton Equities Black Spoke share images of new Pinarello Dogma
All the cycling news you need this Friday
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Jumbo-Visma DS: There are some big talents coming out of Britain
The WorldTour team sees great potential in the current crop of British riders
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
From Grand Tour victories to gold medals: The nine best signings of 2022
We look back at the signings that made the biggest impacts during this year's season
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'I remember the crowds more than anything': Tom Pidcock recalls his Alpe d'Huez Tour de France stage win
Our male rider of the year, Tom Pidcock, talks us through the highs and lows of his 2022 campaign
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Watch: Jumbo-Visma 2023 team launch
Stream the Dutch super team's presentation
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Wout van Aert moots building gravel world championships into 2023 programme
Belgian rider says gravel racing has a ‘great future’ as he considers worlds participation next year
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
As Cristiano Ronaldo puts the boot in, Jumbo-Visma talk to Manchester United about tactics and managing egos
The Dutch team’s senior sports director has spoken to Manchester United’s manager for sporting advice
By Owen Rogers • Last updated
-
Primož Roglič says rehabilitation from shoulder surgery ‘going as planned’ ahead of 2023 season
Slovenian had surgery in October in attempt to fix repeated shoulder dislocations ahead of new season
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'I didn’t have the legs': Primož Roglič looks fallible at the Vuelta a España
The defending champion went from being the virtual leader to trailing his rivals on stage six
By Adam Becket • Published