Evgeny Fedorov (Astana-Premier Tech) and Otto Bergheerde (Alpecin Phoenix) were both disqualified from the Tour de Flanders after a collision with 240km remaining in the race.

The accident occurred at the front of the peloton while Federov was riding at the front of the pack, pulling on his brakes. The Astana-Premier Tech rider appeared to be trying to attack from the peloton after an early breakaway had already formed.

Vergaerde was with the Astana rider at the time and, frustrated that the Astana rider was not allowed a clear ride, nearly hit Fedorov's back. Vergaerde then lined up with Fedorov and bumped him on his right flank. Fedorov then attempted to follow and appeared to attempt a similar move, although no contact was made.

No riders were knocked down in the incident, but race organizers called both riders' team cars and ejected them from the race with about 210 km still to race.

The incident left defending champion Mathieu van der Pol with one less teammate for most of the race.

According to Sporza, Christophe Roudoft of Alpecin Phoenix said: "Before Otto moved, Fedorov did a terribly bad job. He was going to crash Otto and Lukas Pestlberger (Bora Hansgrohe). Otto reacted in the picture. He had both hands on the bars, but unfortunately reacted impulsively. If the referee shows red, he must leave the field."

Vergaerde also spoke to Sporza from his mobile location. Fedorov still wanted to go to the brakes earlier, but he hit the brakes. I reacted by almost crashing. I am very disappointed to let the team down in this way. I can't say much. The jury probably wants to make an example. It's distasteful."

Astana responded directly to Cycling News when asked for comment.

"Everyone saw the same footage they saw on TV. It is unfortunate that Fedorov was disqualified, but with the race still in progress, we won't have the opportunity to talk to him and understand exactly what happened until after the finish. Right now we are concentrating on the six remaining racers in the race," Steve Bauer said.

More to follow...