Lotto-Soudal rider escapes disqualification after pushing rival out of peloton (video)
Kris Boeckmans had a disagreement with Justin Jules in the final kilometres of Nokere Koerse
While Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) won Nokere Koerse ahead of Adam Blythe (Aqua Blue Sport), the finale of the race was overshadowed by a bizarre altercation involving Lotto-Soudal's Kris Boeckmans and Justin Jules (WB Veranclassic Aqua Protect).
The incident took place with 8.7km to go in the Belgian semi-Classic, and began with Boeckmans riding up alongside and gesticulating at the WB Veranclassic riders.
>>> Watch: Peter Sagan nearly taken out by dog walker strolling across Tirreno time trial course
The Belgian rider then seemed to take particular issue with French sprinter Justin Jules, putting a hand on Jules' shoulder and freewheeling, pushing them both back through the peloton, with riders managing to come around them.
Discussion apparently over, Boeckmans next appeared on camera in discussion with the commissaires, initially prompting speculation that he may have been disqualified. However this doesn't seem to have been the case, with Boeckmans appearing in 149th place in the results.
As for Jules, he didn't let the incident faze him, finishing as his team's best rider in 16th place.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
'The bike’s been the biggest therapeutic element for me': Former pro and DS Allan Peiper's battle against prostate cancer
Allan Peiper has won stages and Grand Tours, both as a rider and a DS. Since 2014, though, his biggest challenge has been a recurring battle with prostate cancer. He talks candidly to Chris Marshall-Bell about the ups and downs of his struggle
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Our 'van life' dream failed, so we tried to make surfing and cycle touring compatible — this is what happened
If cycle touring teaches anything, it is that life rarely goes according to plan, as Isobel Duxfield found out when riding what soon become a pedal-propelled sail around the Pacific Coast
By Isobel Duxfield Published
-
Biniam Girmay takes momentous sprint victory at Gent-Wevelgem
The Eritrean etched his name in history as the first African rider to win the spring classic.
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
How to watch Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2022: Live stream the first cobbled Classic of the season
If you can't be in Belgium for Opening Weekend you might as well watch it on the TV
By Jonny Long Published
-
Trek-Segafredo back to winning ways as Ruth Winder takes Brabantse Pijl
US national champion Ruth Winder won the tightest of sprints at Brabantse Pijl on Wednesday (April 14).
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Lorena Wiebes wins in a bunch sprint at a wind ravaged women's Scheldeprijs
Team DSM win the battle of the lead outs after a scrappy final in the Belgian wind and rain
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Groupama-FDJ pull out of Scheldeprijs 2021 after Covid-19 positive
Groupama-FDJ have had to pull out from racing at the Belgian one-day race of Scheldeprijs due to a positive Coronavirus test within the team
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Annemiek van Vleuten wins the Tour of Flanders with a signature long range move
Annemiek van Vleuten won the Tour of Flanders for the second time with a signature attack on Sunday.
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Tour of Flanders 2021 start lists
Full list of riders taking part in the 2019 edition on Sunday, April 7
By Jonny Long Published
-
'Risk big and you win big,' Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig willing to risk all at the Tour of Flanders
After finishing third in 2019 the Danish rider has a stronger team than ever to help achieve a first WorldTour win
By Owen Rogers Published