Transponder data caused confusion at Tour of Denmark finish - 'We acted one second too quickly'

Jensen Plowright of Alpecin-Premier Tech was first declared the winner of the sprint in Skive. A subsequent review of the official finish image showed, however, that Wout van Aert of Visma | Lease a Bike had crossed the line first by a minimal margin.

The confusion was caused by the difference between the transponder reading and the official method used to determine a race result. The timing device, which was attached underneath the saddle, registered Plowright’s bicycle first. In a sprint finish, however, the position of the front wheel is decisive.

The result had already been communicated and preparations for the podium ceremony were underway before doubts were raised.

According to HLN, journalist Thomas Soen received an enlarged image of the finish from colleagues in Belgium and showed it to members of the race organisation. Ellis Heijboer, press officer for Visma | Lease a Bike, also approached the officials with the image and asked them to verify the result.

The ceremony was paused while the jury examined the official photo finish. After reviewing the footage, the organisers withdrew the initial result and confirmed Van Aert as the stage winner.

The podium ceremony was paused while the jury examined the official photo finish. Around ten minutes later, the original result was withdrawn and Van Aert was confirmed as the stage winner.

Tour of Denmark race director Jens Kasler later admitted that the result had been announced prematurely.

“We acted one second too quickly,” Kasler told Feltet. “The lesson is that you have to take a breath and check everything when the finish is that close.”

Kasler said the pressure to produce a quick result and begin the podium ceremony had contributed to the mistake.

“We are all pushing to get a quick result so we can start the podium ceremony and television can get its pictures,” he said. “Had we waited one or two more seconds, I do not think this would have happened.”

The race director declined to blame a specific official for the incorrect announcement and accepted overall responsibility for the incident.

“I am not going to throw anyone under the bus,” Kasler said. “This is a team effort. We stand together and share responsibility for the decisions that are made. Ultimately, the responsibility is mine.”

Plowright watched as the result was corrected and later reviewed the image together with Van Aert on a smartphone.

“How brutal,” Plowright said according to HLN when an official asked him about the decision.

The Australian admitted the outcome was difficult to accept but acknowledged that the photo finish left little room for doubt.

“To be honest, it is a bit bittersweet,” Plowright told HLN. “I am sick that I did not win, but losing to Van Aert is okay. I really thought I had him, but the photo says something else. I think it was two millimetres.”

Plowright also praised Van Aert’s reaction after the decision was changed.

“Wout stayed very calm and did not rub it in,” he said. “In two days, I will just try again.”