Campeonato de Europa de ciclocross: ‘Bizarro’: reacciones internacionales a la degradación de Marie Schreiber

Luxembourg cyclist Marie Schreiber has been relegated to second place at the European Cyclocross Championships in the Netherlands, prompting widespread criticism in international media. The Luxembourg Cycling Federation has filed a formal protest.

Schreiber crossed the line first in the women’s sprint, but the jury demoted her shortly after the race, saying she had unfairly impeded Dutch rider Lucinda Brand in the final sprint.

Schreiber and Brand both said afterwards that the sprint was fair, and Brand did not lodge a protest. The jury took a different view.

Reactions in the media

Belgian broadcaster RTBF called on the president of the race jury to explain the decision. Cycling teams and commentators also criticised the lack of explanation and transparency.

The French outlet L’Équipe commented during the livestream:

The Union Européenne du Cyclisme (UEC) posted only an interview with Brand on its official Facebook page, with no mention of the demotion.

Belgium’s Nieuwsblad Sport said no one seemed happy after the race.

The European Championships website did not mention the demotion either.

Dutch sports outlets Sportnieuws called the situation «bizarre.»

The Luxembourg Cycling Federation has filed a formal protest.