Old 06-28-21, 05:08 PM
  #52  
canam73
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Originally Posted by Eric F
Merlier did exactly what was expected - took the short line inside his teammate. It's pretty standard practice that the leadout rider continues to go flat-out until he gets passed by his sprinter on one side or another. Ewen put his front wheel in jeopardy in his battle to get the advantage on Sagan, and had no place to go when Merlier made his move to go around the leadout. I doubt anyone beats Ewan if he stays upright, but he cost himself the chance to win today. Unfortunately, it also cost Sagan chance, and the rest of Ewan's Tour.
I agree with all of that. Just hadn't heard that Merlier's wheel was involved at all when it happened, but on the overhead it is pretty obvious that it either touched or was close enough that Ewan spilled trying to avoid it.
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