Pedersen avoids penalty after controversial intermediate sprint move

Veistroffer had already secured the maximum points at the intermediate sprint in Decize, with 132 kilometres remaining. Behind him, Pedersen won the sprint from the peloton to collect 20 points, finishing ahead of Philipsen and Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step.

Pedersen was led into the sprint by his teammates near the centre of the road. Once he launched his effort, however, the Danish rider appeared to move significantly away from his original line.

The change of direction forced Philipsen and several other riders towards the barriers, leaving them with limited space to challenge for the available points.

The race jury subsequently confirmed that the sprint was under review, raising the possibility that Pedersen could be relegated. The Lidl-Trek rider was also seen speaking with officials alongside the commissaires’ car while the incident was being assessed.

After a brief delay, the jury decided not to take further action. Pedersen was allowed to keep his 20 points and retained the result from the sprint.

The decision attracted attention because Philipsen had been relegated following the stage 11 sprint only one day earlier, before the decision was overturned.

Philipsen appeared to accept the outcome and shook hands with Pedersen after the sprint. According to Sporza, there was greater frustration within Philipsen’s team, with questions raised about the role of the race jury. “Why are they following the race if they can see that something is going wrong? The jury has to do its job.”