Michael Matthews relegated from Tour of Flanders podium for sprint deviation

Australian had crossed the line in third place but was judged to have impeded Nils Politt

15:18, Sunday 31st March 2024

Patrick Fletcher

Deputy Editor

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Michael Matthews (left) was judged to have impeded Nils Politt behind him in the Tour of Flanders sprint

After his heartbreak at Milan-San Remo earlier this month, Michael Matthews appeared to have taken an altogether more encouraging second straight Monument podium, but was relegated at the Tour of Flanders for an improper sprint.

The victory had long since sailed thanks to the superiority of Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), but Matthews was part of a 10-man group that rounded upon Dylan Teuns (Israel-Premier Tech) and Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) in the home straight and sprinted for the podium.

Matthews opened that sprint from eye-wateringly long range, and it looked to have paid off. However, he was pipped on the line by a bike throw from Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Hotels). Yet that was nothing compared to the disappointment that would come his way 15 minutes or so later.

Matthews was bumped down into 11th place, the final position in that group. He was reportedly in tears at the finish when he was informed of the decision.

Race Report & Results: Mathieu van der Poel claims record third title with 45km solo

The reason was that he had drifted out to the right while sprinting, with the race officials ruling that he impeded Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates) in the process.

"Riders shall be strictly forbidden to deviate from the lane they selected when launching into the sprint and, in so doing, endangering others," reads the relevant section of the UCI's regulations.

Matthews also faces a fine of 500 Swiss Francs.

More to follow