Controversy and fine for Batten for an action on the last lap of the Paris Olympics

The women's XCO test at the Paris Olympics has left us with a thrilling finish in which the silver and bronze medals were disputed until the last lap. And it was precisely at that moment when a controversial race action occurred that ended in a fine for Haley Batten after achieving the best result for her country so far in this sport.

Batten's attack in the feed zone generates controversy for some and indifference for others

With Pauline Ferrand-Prévot catapulted towards the gold, the excitement of the race shifted towards the rest of the medals and honorable positions. And there, Dutch rider Puck Pieterse had the worst luck as she missed out on a medal, finishing fourth at 3'23", due to a puncture after battling for the silver for most of the race.

American rider Hayley Batten ultimately took home the silver medal, the best result for her country in an Olympic event in this sport, despite a controversial action for which the officials fined her 500 Swiss francs. The maneuver occurred when Batten passed through the feed/technical zone without stopping for anything and launched an attack on Jenny Rissveds, gaining a few seconds of advantage.

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Batten and the American delegation downplayed the incident during the press conference, stating that they were not concerned about a possible fine. Rissveds also played down the incident and accepted the bronze medal. However, Pieterse and the Netherlands hesitated to file a formal protest, which they ultimately did not do.

"The jury should have seen this, but now we can't do anything," said national coach Gerben de Knegt to the Dutch media AD.nl.

"I don't think this is how Puck would have wanted to win a medal, but of course, rules must be followed. Batten obviously had a big advantage from this."

Finally, Batten received a fine of 500 Swiss francs (CHF) for "not respecting the instructions of the race organization or the officials (using the feed zone without taking anything or receiving technical assistance)."

Remember that the men's XCO test at the Paris 2024 Olympics will take place tomorrow, July 29 at 14:00 and you can follow it live here.