Originally Posted by waltergodefroot
"thunder" was suggesting that Boonen was being shown some type of favoritism when compared to Davis. My point is there is no evidence to suggest this; in fact the mechanical is ample evidence to counter any specious argument of reckless riding or favoritism. You don't know if Boonen looked down the first or the second or the third time his drivetrain acted up. The judges decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. The other riders gave Boonen the benefit of the doubt. The only people indicting Boonen are a couple of pasty white Aussie internet jockeys who are pissed their boy Davis didn't get his. Your accusation just sounds like sour grapes.
I don't know about the validity of the drivetrain mech prior to the attempt sprint. Why would he get out of the sadle and stomp if it was defective prior and he was aware. Also, if it was overly defective just how did he move up throuhg the peloton to get in the top ten where he had the opportunity to sprint for the podium. He needed to pass many riders and put increased power through the bb before then. But, the hughe increas in power would come with the first kick out of the saddle. That is when the potential for damge would be, right there. I concede it may have been inefficient or faulty prior to the sprint, I am just putting forward logical assumptions without knowing first hand.
I am sure there was a mechanical. His body language can't be questioned, he is not putting that on. But he might have still finished higher had he not soft pedalled in. It also could have been dangerous to stomp in, even in the saddle.
I do not know what I said, I think it was in relation to Mcewen's dq and the anomalies in race juries rulings. I have yet to see any evidence the race jury were even referred the video from stage 2 2004. They may not have even made a decision.
I think this was much worse than Mcewen's and Davis' cases, and I was pointing out the discrepancies I believe exist. You can, and obviously do disagree. I am attempting to enlgihten you.
I think the jury were expedient and had some pressure to dq Mcewen because of the crash. I think it is more complicated than one person at fault.
I think Boonen had complete control of his line and was 100% at fault. I think Davis had complete control of his line and was 100% at fault. I think Mcewen and Breschel both contributed, and no one crossed lines. It was very similar to the 2003 Champs Elysees sprint.