Victory was no longer in the cards for either of them. While Jonathan Milan was making the victory gesture a few meters further on in the first stage of the Renewi Tour, Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla) got into each other. And not a second later, they were both lying on the asphalt. Merlier, who was also disqualified, was able to sit up again fairly quickly, but Groenewegen suffered a much harder blow.
Martijn Goethals, Jonas Withouck
Today at 18:56
Merlier was initially listed fourth in the results and Groenewegen fifth, but after reviewing the sprint the jury decided to demote our compatriot to 83rd place, last in the peloton.
The images effectively show how Merlier deviates from his line with an ultimate jump at the finish and hits Groenewegen. “He endangered another rider,” the jury said. However, Merlier had already kept his legs still, but when he saw Groenewegen coming next to him, he started sprinting again.
The physical damage is not too bad for the Belgian. He has large abrasions on his back and side, “but he will probably be able to start on Thursday”, the team says. Groenewegen seems to be in a worse condition. He was taken to the hospital in Maastricht for examination.
Rewatch the sprint:
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The damage at Groenewegen is not small:
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