Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) won Danilith – Nokere Koerse (1.HC) today ahead of Adam Blythe (Aqua Blue Sport) but his victory was somewhat overshadowed by a strange altercation between Kris Boeckmans (Lotto-Soudal) and Justin Jules (WB Veranclassic Aqua Protect).
The two riders clashed inside the last ten kilometres of the 192.3-kilometre race and Boeckmans could be seen on TV coverage gesticulating with one of Jules’ team mates who was second in line in the peloton. Boeckmans then decided to take issue with the French rider who was also towards the front of the bunch.
Boeckmans placed a hand on Jules’ shoulder forcing him to stop pedalling. As the two slowed, the rest of the peloton rode around them. It was unclear what caused the altercation between the pair.
The pair could be seen in conversation and Boeckmans eventually let go of Jules when they reached the back of the bunch. Jules finished in 16th place while Boeckmans finished the race in 149th position 4’29” down on Bouhanni.
No chat allowed inside #NokereKoerse #Nokere pic.twitter.com/GJFlpMsHwP
— Tappa e Maglia (@TappaeMaglia) March 15, 2017
Man handling another rider no matter what the situation is should not be tolerated by the event organisers and the guilty rider should have a term of suspension applied to him. This situation could easily have gotten worse if the riders lost balance due to the altercation and taken down half the peloton.
Just smack his hand away !