European Championships Rocked by Accusations of Tactical Interference
Plouay, France – The aftermath of Tadej Pogacar‘s victory at the European road Championships is being overshadowed by serious accusations leveled against French national team coach Thomas Voeckler, alleging he deliberately instructed riders not too cooperate in a key breakaway group, perhaps costing Remco Evenepoel the title.The controversy centers on the role of French rider Paul Seixas and voeckler’s strategic decisions during the race.
Evenepoel, finishing second to Pogacar – a repeat of his result at the World Championships in Kigali a week prior – expressed clear frustration with the lack of collaboration within the chasing group. “Cooperation in the counter group was not optimal. It was quite frustrating. At four in the headwind sections and back winds, we could really have taken it back. But when I saw the lack of help, I understood that it was going to be difficult,” Evenepoel stated after the race.”The gap was only thirty seconds, so we had not fully exploded.”
The belgian rider went further, directly implicating Voeckler. “I really think it was possible to come back to Tadej. If everyone in the group had worked properly, I think we could have done it. But some runners were ordered not to run,” Evenepoel claimed,referencing Voeckler’s decision to have French riders Romain Grégoire and Pavel Sivakov focus on the main group behind.
Juan Ayuso, also part of the breakaway, echoed Evenepoel’s sentiments. “They decided not to drive in our group, but in the one behind us, and for me, it didn’t make sense. I tried to help Remco, I was a little bit before fighting for victory,” he said.
Though, Paul Seixas offered a starkly contrasting viewpoint, praising Voeckler’s guidance. “Thomas Voeckler has managed me well, he told me not to take a relay at the start because the team was driving behind, it was impeccable for me. I got a little confused by the others but it was worth it with the energy saved for the end,” Seixas explained, expressing gratitude to his coach.
pogacar acknowledged the competition, posting on Instagram: “European champion! Fantastic day in France with an incredible team of slovenia. Always a crazy atmosphere and we represent it with pride. I am grateful for efforts and support… and hats off to Remco Evenepoel and Paul Seixas.”
The accusations against Voeckler raise serious questions about sportsmanship and tactical integrity at the highest level of cycling, and are likely to fuel debate in the coming days. The French Cycling Federation has yet to comment on the allegations.
