New footage reveals how Peter Sagan crashed at Tour of Flanders
Footage from the roadside shows how Peter Sagan crashed and brought down Greg Van Avermaet and Oliver Naesen
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

New video footage shows a fan's jacket over the barriers in the Tour of Flanders yesterday caused world champion Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) to crash on the Oude Kwaremont.
>>> Fabian Cancellara: Peter Sagan made a mistake riding too close to the barrier
Sagan, racing in white world champion jersey with rainbow stripes, suddenly fell hard on the rough grey and dusty cobble sector after the climb. He had been leading the chase of solo leader and eventual winner Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors). With 16.9km to race, he trailed by 59 seconds.
A video obtained by Cycling Weekly shows a black jacket innocently propped on the metal barriers separating the fans from the cyclists led to Sagan's end. Racing along the left gutter, his left brake/shifter lever snagged the fan's jacket and caused his front wheel to turn immediately towards the barrier. A split-second later, he hit the foot of the barrier, tumbled and landed on his right hip.
Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing) and Oliver Naesen (Ag2r La Mondiale) chased behind him and crashed, as well. Only Van Avermaet could return to his bike immediately. Sagan lost time both stunned by the incident and stalled by a broken rear wheel and derailleur. He continued, but in the groups behind and settled for 27th place.
Sagan's German WorldTour team pleaded to fans to post any footage they may have to clarify the incident.
"I hope again that all those phones that are around can show something new bring some light to what happened," Bora sports director Patxi Vila said. "Nothing will change, but we can understand what happened."
Sagan saw other images posted in the last 24 hours and commented in Twitter. He said, "Video that shows my crash at the [Ronde] was caused by a jacket that caught my left arm. These things happen in races."
He raced to defend his title and explained that he could have had a chance if the jacket had not stopped him.
"I think I could've gone on to catch Gilbert, for that reason I was going how I was," Sagan said yesterday. "I had strong companions with me, I thought I could re-catch on, for that reason we were going strong. Just that destiny didn't want it."
Sagan underwent checks at the hospital yesterday. He explained to Cycling Weekly standing at the door of the Oudenaarde hospital that he hurt his right hip. However, it seems he is ready to return for Paris-Roubaix next Sunday.
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
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
-
Tailfin Top Tube Pack review - the all new range has been a resounding success
if you're fussy about details, this could one for you
By Stefan Abram • Published
-
Shimano issues stop riding and recall notice on Pro Vibe alloy stems
Company says cracks can form in Vibe Stems purchased since May 2020
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Handing Classics win to Christophe Laporte secured Wout van Aert undying loyalty of key Flanders lieutenant
After Gent-Wevelgem collaboration, Laporte will bury himself in a cloud of dust in service of Van Aert next Sunday
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
How E3 showed us what Van Aert, Van der Poel and Pogačar need to do to win the Tour of Flanders
Wout van Aert might have won on Friday, but everything could change next Sunday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
All Flanders Classics races, from Omloop to the Tour of Flanders, to have equal prize money
Women will earn the same as men from this year, as €400,000 is split across six races
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Adrie van der Poel reveals banter exchanged with Mathieu before CX World Championships
Van der Poel senior says that his sons cyclo-cross season has been ‘perfect’ preparation for a strong start to the cobbled classics
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
In celebration of Peter Sagan, cycling's rock and roll frontman
As the three-time world champion is set to call time on his career in the WorldTour at the end of 2023, we thought we would take a look back at the glory days
By Tom Thewlis • 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
-
Tadej Pogačar eyes Tour of Flanders revenge in 2023
The UAE Team Emirates rider hopes to add to his Monuments collection next season
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe: ‘I want to be 100% for the Tour of Flanders’
The Frenchman has said the Monument is his “big goal” for next season.
By Tom Davidson • Published