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Lidl-Trek sports director Kim Andersen faces exclusion from Itzulia Basque Country after a collision with EF Education-EasyPost rider Markel Beloki. This incident raises questions about safety protocols in cycling.
Andersen's car struck Beloki about 45 kilometers from the finish during stage 5, as he maneuvered to the right of a group of riders. Beloki, positioned 20th overall, grazed the car's bumper, leading to a heated exchange but no injuries. Following the incident, race officials decided to expel Andersen from the event, leaving Lidl-Trek without one of their in-race vehicles for the final stage. Additionally, he received a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs and a yellow card.
This collision echoes a previous incident in the race where the driver of the race doctor's car was also expelled after colliding with Mikel Landa on stage 2, causing Landa to withdraw due to injuries. With only one stage remaining, Paul Seixas from Decathlon CMA CGM holds the overall lead, while Beloki now sits in 19th place, finishing over nine minutes behind. The ramifications of these incidents could impact team strategies moving forward in the competition.
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