Why? Because I crossed a solid white line during the race.
I recall crossing a solid white line only once in the race, so can only assume that's the offending incidence. A 4km section of dead straight road called "The Broyle". The whole bunch was together, and the pace was up and down as attacks went, and were brought back. On one slowing, rather than touch the brakes, I moved out over the solid white line (no traffic visible ahead). As gaps reappeared in the group, I moved back onto the legal side of the road, having gained a few places.
Later on the same stretch of road (when I was on the correct side of any solid lines), I could hear a car horn honking behind, presumably the commissionaire's, so I can only assume that a number of riders will have been disqualified.
At the pre-race briefing the commissionaire, as is normal, reminded us that the rules of the road applied to us, including crossing solid white lines, explicitly stating that infringements risked disqualification.
Hence I can have no argument with the commissionaire's decision since I did cross the line, even if only once, and did gain position in doing so.
So, to all racers out there, be warned. It would be heart-breaking to cross the finish line first only to find that it didn't count because you didn't obey the rules of the road. (Don't get the wrong idea, I wasn't first over the line, but it could happen to any one of us.)
Additionally I'm not proud of having been disqualified from a race and whilst representing Addiscombe.
