Prudential RideLondon Classique 2019: Kirsten Wild stripped of victory after huge crash mars finale

ByEurosport

Updated 03/08/2019 at 19:16 GMT

Kirsten Wild (WNT-Rotor) was stripped of victory in the Prudential RideLondon Classique after the Dutchwoman was adjudged to have sparked a mass pile-up in a crazy finale.

RideLondon finish

Image credit: Getty Images

Wild looked to have secured a third title outside Buckingham Palace after pipping compatriot Lorena Wiebes (Parkhotel Valkenburg) on the line, but she was later penalised for her role in a crash that flung a spree of riders off their bikes.

Wild came to Ride London as the defending champion, but it was Wiebes who ultiamately claimed the win and the 100,000 euros of prize money.

Italy’s Elisa Balsamo (Valcar–Cylance) and America’s Coryn Rivera (Sunweb) were promoted into second and third respectively.

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In an ugly finish, Wild veered across the tarmac to get a clear sprint, inadvertently clipping the wheel of Chloe Hosking and causing a domino effect in the front pack.

Speaking after the race, Wild appeared to deny any involvement in the crash, telling the BBC: ""I didn't see the crash, it was behind me, it was really hectic. I was only looking for the finish line."