The so-called ‘puppy paws position’ has been banned by the UCI since April 1 of last year. The ‘super tuck’ and sitting on the top tube during descents were also banned, all in the interests of rider safety.
“When I was in that ‘puppy paws position’, I quickly realised it was not allowed. I immediately switched to the correct position. Apparently, it was enough for the UCI to disqualify me,” said Marianne Vos who quickly accepted the disqualification after a brief discussion with a UCI official.
“We’ll have to accept their decision. It is a pity but it is a rule, and it is strictly enforced. You usually don’t ride in that position. I feel bad about it because I did not benefit from it but rules are rules.”
Audrey Cordon-Ragot was announced as the winner but didn’t feel all that great about her first individual victory in a Women’s WorldTour.
“To be honest, I have mixed feelings. I am super happy for the race I did, super proud of the performance of my teammates,” she said. “We showed our strength with an amazing teamwork and my role was to finalise the huge work they did. That was the most important thing that happened today and what I will retain from the race.
“After the finish line, I was happy for my second place, and I am still proud of it. I had no regrets because I was beaten by the strongest rider in the peloton at the moment. I was definitely not embarrassed to be second. Chapeau to Marianne, she was the first who recognised that a rule is a rule and accepted the sanction,” Cordon-Ragot concluded.
Pfeiffer Georgi (Team DSM) moved up to second and Valerie Demey (Liv Racing Xstra) gained the last podium spot.
