“I accept the sanction”: excluded from a stage of the Tour de France with his motorcycle, Thomas Voeckler explains

2023-07-21 00:18:19

Contrary to his habits, Thomas Voeckler did not take his place this Thursday at the back of the France Télévisions motorcycle to provide commentary at the heart of the 18 stage. The consultant, and his pilot, were indeed sanctioned by the organization of the Tour with an exclusion from a stage after having blocked the race, the day before, in the middle of the climb of the Col de la Loze and in particular slowed down the yellow jersey Jonas Vingegaard or even Thibaut Pinot, very upset at the time. Joined this Thursday at midday, the former yellow jersey agreed to come back to this episode.

What happened in this bend of the Col de la Loze on Wednesday?

THOMAS VOECKLER. It’s simple. First there is a motorcycle which stopped in front of a Shimano car (Editor’s note: neutral assistance) and blocked it. Then another heavier motorcycle stopped in front of us and we arrived at that moment. And we got stuck… It was a very complicated place, especially since the clutch had been used enormously during the start of the stage. We couldn’t restart.

Did you make a mistake?

Absolutely not. We were very well placed, we had respected the orders of the regulators. It’s just that the bike couldn’t restart.

What happened when you stopped?

Already I calmed my biker who was in full panic, I tried to reassure him. I took off my helmet. There the public recognized me and started to gather around us. I had to yell to get them away because I had only one fear: that this motorcycle which weighs more than 380 kg empty would fall on a spectator, a kid or a rider and then it would have been much more dangerous. So I yelled: Calm down!

How long did this last?

It passes very quickly but I would say at least a good minute. It was really very very hot. But in the end we were able to restart.

Do you accept the penalty?

Even if we have not committed a fault, there are rules. We blocked the race. I accept the sanction, it is normal.

Do you find that there are too many motorcycles on the Tour?

It’s not for me to judge, I’ll let you comment if you wish.

What did you do with your day?

I was able to do 90km by bike, you have to see the good side of things and I will reach the finish by car and I will then explain myself in Vélo Club.