Yellow Jersey pulled into barriers by rider?

[Rob Q]

[quote]Skip fwd to about 3.35 and watch as Van Impe is pulled into the barriers by Theo Bos, or was he?

[Toks]

I've watched it 4/5 times and it looks horrendous, and your first thought is Bos should be banned. He's a complete nutter. Now how about some rational thinking. If you're travelling at ~65k's an hour would you risk pulling a rider off his line right down in front of you even if he'd sworn absenities at you all race and was having an affair with your missus. The answer surely has to be No. So what was Bos doing? I'm still not sure

[Rob Q]

[quote="Toks"]I've watched it 4/5 times and it looks horrendous, and your first thought is Bos should be banned. He's a complete nutter. Now how about some rational thinking. If you're travelling at ~65k's an hour would you risk pulling a rider off his line right down in front of you even if he'd sworn absenities at you all race and was having an affair with your missus. The answer surely has to be No. So what was Bos doing? I'm still not sure

[-Adam-]

Yes, you have to wonder what was going on there.

I don't think you can tell enough from that video. I think I should have it on Sky+ so will look closer later...

[-Adam-]

Impey is a SA yes, (Van) Impe is Belgian. C'mon Sean, get it right!

[Rob Q]

[quote="Sean Hogan - 何祥"]Is Impe South African?

I know guys from SA have real problems staying upright on bikes

[adrian]

Is it me, or is a rider in green gesturing in frustration towards Impey at around 3.30?

[quote="Sean Hogan - 何祥"][quote="adrian"]Is it me, or is a rider in green gesturing in frustration towards Impey at around 3.30?

[-Adam-]

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.

[kieran]

having looked at this version, I think it looks like an accident.

[url]http://picasaweb.google.de/hokmann/E...86090944553314[/url]

Bos started to fall and instinctively closed his fist and that was enough.

[-Adam-]

Can't see the pic on that link Kieran.

What I see on moving picture is sling shot gone wrong. I don't think there was necessarily malicious intent, but none the less, the move was out of order and he should be sanctioned accordingly.

[Manchee39]

No action is being taken, follow link for report

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road.php?id= ... ialtour098

[-Adam-]

Doesn't suprise me. Someone like Bos will be fairly well connected.

[-Adam-]

Boom Boom

[Alan M]

It's GBH, never mind a ban. Not sure what the penalty would be in Turkey but I wouldn't rule out imprisonment