Policeman and former pro revealed as Flanders crash drivers

The drivers of the two neutral service cars that caused injuries to Jesse Sergent and Sébastien Chavanel at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday have been identified as a policeman and a former professional rider.

Sergent, who was part of a seven-man breakaway, collided with a Shimano car as he turned a corner around the halfway mark of the race.

According to Ciclo21.com, the driver of the car was a police officer, who reportedly cannot remember anything about the incident or what caused him to try and pass the New Zealander in such a narrow place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsexjF6Iaz0

The Trek Factory Racing rider was left with a broken collarbone in the crash as he was sent flying across the road.

Soon after, another Shimano car rear-ended the FDJ team car as it slowed to attend to Chavanel, causing the open door to knock the rider from his bike. This car, Ciclo21 reports, was driven by former Lotto and CSC rider Paul Van Hyfte.

>>> Teams left angry after Tour of Flanders neutral service car incidents

Shimano issued an apology after the race, stating: “At Shimano we apologise for both incidents the Shimano sponsored neutral caused today at the Tour of Flanders.

“We especially apologise to the riders and teams involved, Jesse Sergent of Trek Factory Racing and Sébastien Chavanel of Française des Jeux. We wish them a speedy recovery.

“The drivers of the neutral cars are professionals with many years of experience in professional cycling races. We will investigate both incidents deeply and take appropriate action.”