Green Jersey Battle Gets Controversial

Last nights stage of the tour ended with a brilliant ride from Britain's David Miller. Surviving in the break and then out sprinting Jean-Christophe Peraud in a gallant display. But the stage became controversial as the battle for the green sprinters jersey heated up.

Australia's Matthew Goss and Slovakia's Peter Sagan headed to the line to battle for sixth place and more all important green jersey points. With Gossy seeming to have Sagan under control for the intermediate sprints, he wanted to prove once and for all he can outsprint him to the finish line also.

However, as the two tried to out-sprint each other Goss appeared to have deviated from his line within the last 100 meters. A visibly agitated Sagan gestured towards Goss as they crossed the line. 

After the commissaries viewed the footage their decision was to relegate Goss to last place and strip him of 30 points, which now almost secures Sagan of carrying the green jersey all the way to Paris.

The decision sent Aussie Twitterers into a flurry, but it seems that Matthew Goss was almost expecting an unfavourable decision although possibly not the loss of points, which would surely hurt.

It is pretty clear that Goss deviated. He impeded Sagan's sprint and although the young Slovak may have been animated in his disproval (isn't he always animated - he's a sprinter!) I think the decision to relegate was the correct one.

Over the years there has been many a controversial decision in regards to sprinters. Remember Mark Renshaw's disqualification for headbutting during the 2010 Tour de France? And Australian sprinting legend Robbie McEwen has been involved in one or two incidences during his career.

Sprinters are a different breed. They are hungry, angry and explosive. Decisions are made in split seconds and whilst under huge pressure as they charge towards the line.

Although I hate decisions that are borderline, such as this one could be interpreted, you also have to think of the safety of the riders. No-one wants to see a crash, no-one wants to get injured and no-one wants a dirty race.

I think the decision made to relegate Goss was correct, but the 30 point penalty... not so sure.

Check out the footage and make your own mind up.