By Simon Jennings
(Reuters) – FDJ’s Sebastien Reichenbach has filed a complaint against Gianni Moscon after accusing the Team Sky rider of intentionally causing him to crash, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
The 28-year-old Swiss fractured his elbow in the fall in Tuesday’s race in Italy and needs surgery, his team said in a statement. Italian Moscon has denied any wrongdoing and said Reichenbach’s hands slipped from his handlebars.
Reichenbach’s complaint is being investigated by cycling’s Road Competitions’ Commission, the source said.
The commission is empowered to make recommendations based on which cycling’s governing body (UCI) can open disciplinary proceedings. The UCI have been contacted for comment.
The Cycling News website reported that Reichenbach had also filed a complaint with the Italian police.
“I’m filing a complaint against Gianni Moscon because he intentionally put me on the ground,” Reichenbach was quoted as saying by Le Nouvelliste on Wednesday.
“It was intentional. Several riders saw the action and are ready to provide testimony on my behalf. He deliberately threw himself against me. On a descent, the accident could have had even more serious consequences. My team, FDJ, has encouraged me to file a complaint. They will support me.”
Moscon, who wished Reichenbach a speedy recovery on Twitter, has denied causing the accident.
“It’s not true. It’s nothing to do with me. We were on a section of rough road and Reichenbach’s hands slipped from his handlebars. I’ve never spoken to him in my life,” Moscon, 23, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Reichenbach’s team FDJ supported their rider’s account of the crash.
“The crash has been caused by the dangerous behavior of one of his opponents, Gianni Moscon,” FDJ said on their Twitter account on Tuesday.
Team Sky issued a statement on Wednesday wishing Reichenbach a quick recovery.
“With regards to the circumstances around the crash, it is right and fair that the full facts are established and that those involved first have the opportunity to provide their own view through the proper channels,” the statement added.
(Writing by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
