A number of top male riders on the US crit scene became involved in very ugly scenes at the end of the Salt Lake Criterium-Industry at the weekend. Best Buddies rider Michael Hernandez and L39ion of Los Angeles rider Justin Williams were at the centre of the dispute.
The incident unfolded as spectators looked on, with some other riders and even photographers getting involved in a bid to separate the riders.
Justin Williams and Hernandez were disqualified from the event and were also suspended from racing for 72 hours. Hernandez was also hit with a $500 fine and Justin Williams was sanctioned with a $250 fine.
Hernadez claimed that Cory Williams (L39ion of Los Angeles) muscled him into the kerb in the finale of the race, with the confrontation at the finish apparently based on that incident. Hernandez almost went down during the bumping, into the first corner on the final lap, but managed to stay upright after bouncing off the kerb.
Hernandez then fell down the field as L39ion of Los Angeles went on to take a clean sweep of the top five; Ty Magner winning from Tyler Williams, Justin Williams, Cory Williams and Alec Cowan.
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Hernandez then confronted Cory Williams, verbally, at the finish, with Justin Williams then becoming involved and the incident progressing to the scenes captured in the video below.
