Ukrainians ripped for unsporting cycling act
Australian great Kate Bates slammed two Ukrainian riders for breaking cycling etiquette at the UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong on Wednesday.
Riding much quicker than the Ukrainians in the mixed relay team time trial, the Aussie trio of Georgia Baker, Alex Manly and Sarah Roy were allowed to comfortably pass by Iryna Semenova, who had dropped off the back of her teammates.
But it was a very different story as the Aussies approached Maryna Varenyk and Daryna Nahuliak.
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Aussies blocked by Ukrainian cyclists
“Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah,” commentator Anthony McCrossan said on Stan Sport.
“Not good there, the Ukrainian team needed to move over to the right-hand side, they were being caught… if they lose this by a fraction of a second they’re going to remember that moment. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”
Former Australian pro Rochelle Gilmore was similarly unimpressed.
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“Not good. The one that suffered the most from that was Georgia Baker, because she really had to use the brakes,’ Gilmore said.
But the harshest criticism came from Bates, a world points race champion and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
“A little bit of controversy I reckon, with the Ukrainian team,” Bates said.
“I got a little bit annoyed, shouting at the screen. Because the Aussies were overtaking and it’s absolute etiquette, if you are getting overtaken from behind, that you get out of the way. The team coming from behind should not have their path impeded at all.
“They should be able to proceed along the fastest line on the road.
“The Ukrainian team got in the way – I think the Aussies handled it really well – but there was a few moments there where it could have gone a little bit pear shaped.”
Superstar wipes out in Wollongong
Australia ended up winning the bronze medal with a team that also included Luke Durbridge, Michael Matthews and Luke Plapp.
Switzerland won the gold and Italy the silver.
Netherlands superstar Annemiek van Vleuten crashed out to continue her unhappy week and put her in doubt for Saturday’s road race where she is among the favourites.
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