by -Adam- » Mon Apr 20, 2009 11:56 am
OK, after some slightly bigger screen forensic work, my opinion is that the Rabobank rider was not being impeded by Impey. He does appear to quite vigorously pull Impey's jersey though, resulting in the crash.
I would have thought that his motive was to slingshot himself past Impey, to move up for the sprint. Obviously this is a dubious tactic, and it backfired quite badly for him! That said, it's not unknown. I've never seen it happen myself, but I have heard stories of it happening. It's a bit like getting a hand sling, but without asking the other guy and just using his jersey to pull on.
So yes, given the result of the manouver, I think the Rabo rider should get at least a heavy fine, if not a short ban.