It was unusual; Boonen exploded to the lead with 500 meters left. But instead of making a dash for the line, he let up and looked behind twice as if expecting someone to come up. Then he made a quick jerk of his bike to the left for no apparent reason. He was then passed by 3 or four riders who quickly boxed him in and then with 100 meters left he just gave up pedaling and finished about 13th. At 25 meters from the end he was slightly bumped by Thor who in turn had just got sliced in the arm by a camera. But that last event had no effect on the final standings.
It was unusual; Boonen exploded to the lead with 500 meters left. But instead of making a dash for the line, he let up and looked behind twice as if expecting someone to come up. Then he made a quick jerk of his bike to the left for no apparent reason. He was then passed by 3 or four riders who quickly boxed him in and then with 100 meters left he just gave up pedaling and finished about 13th. At 25 meters from the end he was slightly bumped by Thor who in turn had just got sliced in the arm by a camera. But that last event had no effect on the final standings.
Andre
It has been reported that he was struck with an object thrown by a spectator, possibly something like a waterbaloon. That might account for what you describe.
