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Dispute after the start: The field of the tour stands for a minute.
Photo: BENOIT TESSIER / REUTERS
After the numerous falls on the third stage of the 108th Tour de France, the riders protested for stronger safety precautions. The peloton stopped about a kilometer after the "sharp start" of the fourth stage from Redon to Fougeres for almost a minute. The first few kilometers were then completed at a slow pace. Attacks and attempts to escape were refrained from. The German veteran André Greipel (Israel Start-up Nation) was one of the spokesmen.
A key requirement is an expansion of the three-kilometer rule.
The drivers' union CPA issued a corresponding statement.
The rule stipulates that drivers who have fallen within the last three kilometers do not lose any time.
However, normal time intervals are measured.
As on Monday, sprinter teams often fight with drivers and their teams for the best positions.
On Monday, three serious falls had wreaked havoc in the chaotic finale.
Among others, co-favorite Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and top sprinter Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal) were affected.
The tour has ended for Ewan because of a broken collarbone.
The drivers identified the route as the cause of the hectic pace in the field.
“I think there isn't one culprit.
But one thing is clear: If the route were designed differently, the drivers and teams would be very risky and nervous, "said Roglic's German team-mate Tony Martin:" When a route like yesterday is offered, the chaos is actually programmed. "
Ralph Denk, head of the German team Bora-hansgrohe, criticized the world association UCI.
"If you don't stick to your own rules, it's poor," said Denk, alluding to the falling final.
However, some of the actions of some racing drivers are "not always fully considered".
UCI President David Lappartient defended the world federation and made the riders responsible.
"Most of the falls are due to a lack of attention," said the Frenchman and expressed "understanding" for the nervousness of the drivers: "But I think that this should not be blamed on the route."
ara / sid