'Complete blooper' – Fernando Gaviria relegated after 'terrible' decision in sprint at Giro d’Italia

Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) was relegated to the back of the bunch after almost causing a high-speed crash on Stage 6 at the Giro d’Italia – with the Colombian's sprint branded “dangerous” and “terrible” on The Breakaway. Gaviria was trying to haul himself back into contention when he went shoulder-to-shoulder with Cees Bol (Team DSM) in a bid to steal the back wheel of Bol’s team-mate Alberto Dainese in the closing metres. Ad/> With Arnaud Demare (Groupama–FDJ), Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) and Mark Cavendish (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) hugging the left of the finish straight in their respective packs, DSM launched a counter move down the right.

Giro d'ItaliaGiro d'Italia 2022 Stage 6 — Route map, how to watch as Cavendish goes for glory again15 HOURS AGO Gaviria followed and then tried to explode through a gap between Dainese and Bol – a gap that did not exist. Gaviria and Bol collided as the pair lurched towards the barrier but, somehow, they managed to stay upright. The Colombian immediately sat up and gesticulated angrily but the race commissionaires quickly acknowledged it was Bol and DSM who should feel aggrieved and demoted Gaviria to 152nd in the day’s standings.

“When you look at that situation, I can’t swear on telly, but it’s a panty-filling moment,” admitted Eurosport expert Adam Blythe as he reacted to Gaviria’s unexpected move. “Those knicks are going straight in the bin!” chimed in Robbie McEwen. Alaphilippe able to train indoors, but remains doubtful for Tour de France Giro d'Italia GC standings In Gaviria’s absence, Demare timed his bike throw to perfection to snatch victory away from Ewan and a fading Cavendish.