Arnaud Démare’s first Tour de France stage win was eclipsed by the disqualification of world champion Peter Sagan after yesterday’s fourth stage, which ended in Vittel.
As the stage came down to the wire Mark Cavendish made his move, coming up on Sagan’s right. The Bora-Hansgrohe rider allegedly did not know Cavendish was there and moved to the right, blocking his path.
The resulting crash also brought down John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo) and Ben Swift (UAE Emirates), who had been close behind.
Sagan, who originally finished second, was initially relegated to 115th place, docked 80 points and received a 30 second penalty, but organisers made the announcement to disqualify him two hours after the 207.5km stage finished, stating he had endangered his colleagues.
Official statement from @letour disqualifying @petosagan #TDF2017 pic.twitter.com/xuKnahiJGr
— NBCSN Cycling (@NBCSNCycling) July 4, 2017
He and Bora-Hansgrohe have lodged an appeal against the decision.
The news sparked a riot of reactions on social media, with fans expressing varying degrees of shock, disgust and disappointment.
Cyling Life posted a video showing a slower and closer view of the incident.
A second user referred to the 2013 Tour de France where Cavendish shoulder bumped Tom Veelers, but was deemed not to be at fault.
Literally raging that Sagan is out of the #TdF2017! Can we remember in 2013 when Cav did a lot worse… disgraceful decision! pic.twitter.com/bwvW9tjmXL
— Lowri Buckley (@LowriBuckley) July 4, 2017
Former professional cyclist Jens Voigt, who wore the yellow jersey twice in 17 years, shared a detailed report on his view of the incident.
Take your time and watch the replay in slowmotion. Then forget about Peter and Cav. Focus on Demarre. He is the first to change trajectoire
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) July 4, 2017
So when we start punish people- maybe consider him first. His move almost chrashed Bouhanni, he is trying to save himself and moves Sagan
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) July 4, 2017
Then Sagan moves over to the right and there is no space for nobody left. Its either ” be safe and break and loose or maybe win or crash
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) July 4, 2017
So in my private opinion-the disqualification is too much.I am ok with -80 points in green jersey,last place today and timepenalty for sagan
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) July 4, 2017
Another Twitter user shared Voigt’s views.
#TDF2017 Why didn’t the commisaires look at Demare, he was the catalyst 2 this accident,could have had Bouhanni down but gets away with it.
— Jacky Saboteur 74% (@alswifejacky) July 5, 2017
Lotto-Soudal’s André Greipel, who was reportedly angry with Sagan after an incident during stage three, has come out in disagreement with the ruling.
Sometimes I should watch images before I say something. Apologies to @petosagan as I think that decision of the judge is too hard.
— Andre Greipel (@AndreGreipel) July 4, 2017
Here are some of the top tweets showing the divided views of fans.
I DON’T agree with the expulsion of @petosagan from @LeTour. DQ on the stage ok, but kicked off the Tour!?! NO.
— Robbie McEwen (@mcewenrobbie) July 4, 2017
#Sagan DQ at TdF? Bad joke. Maybe next time TdF should be only time-trial with always one racer on the road. #TDF2017
— Honza Sipek (@sipi1985) July 5, 2017
Sagan should still be in the #TDF2017 #IMHO #sportstweet
— Nathan Cardon (@n_cardon) July 5, 2017
Unclear result of #TDF2017 stage 4. As a sprinter, I think it’s an instinctive to defensed. DSQ for Peter Sagan? It’s too heavy…? https://t.co/bMpbS0mwt3
— Jamie Tsai (@Yin3388) July 5, 2017
Never liked Sagan bcoz he has an unpleasant attitude of self-importance. The 2 crashes he caused prove this #TdF #TdF2017 #eurosportcycling
— Ted (@EMRozenfelds) July 5, 2017
That’s an elbow if I ever saw one! Mark Cavendish hit the deck hard and gets head ran over. #TourdeFrance #TDF2017 @cyclingweekly pic.twitter.com/eWpDhR9fHj
— Paddy Biggar (@PaddyBiggar) July 4, 2017
I did not expect Sagan to be disqualified. I believe a time penalty was in order but this is madness #TDF2017 #TourdeFrance
— Paddy Biggar (@PaddyBiggar) July 4, 2017
Greipel is blaming Sagan, saying he’s not my friend anymore after that!!! Absolute disgrace #tdf #tdf2017
— Maxi Lopez (@max_wardley) July 4, 2017
In light of all the controversy, a video posted by FDJ showed the happier side of the day. Watch as the team’s staff react to Démare taking his first Tour de France stage win.
Un immense merci à @Francetvsport et à @bricebaubit pour ces images magiques du bus FDJ à l’arrivée ! ? #TDF2017
➡️ https://t.co/1DO4QlLuEE pic.twitter.com/H3KcuwHqaQ— Equipe FDJ (@EquipeFDJ) July 4, 2017
