Marie Schreiber crossed the finish line first at Saturday’s Cyclocross European Championships in Zeddam, appearing to secure the title for herself and Luxembourg.
However, following a review of her final sprint manoeuvre, Schreiber was reclassified and ultimately awarded second place. The title went instead to Dutch rider Lucinda Brand.
Speaking to RTL’s Jeff Kettenmeyer in the studio a day after the race, Schreiber said she was "actually doing quite well", but admitted that seeing footage from the event again brought back a surge of emotions.
Schreiber explained that her first doubts began when she was made to wait for her post-race interview. She learned in conversation that a final decision from the race commissaires was still pending, and both she and Brand, the two riders who had contested the sprint finish, were summoned before the race jury.
Describing the encounter with the jury as frustrating, Schreiber said she felt she was not given the chance to fully explain her side.
She recalled that Lucinda Brand herself told officials she would not have been able to overtake and considered the sprint to have been fair.
According to Schreiber, Brand did not file an official protest, but the head commissaire nevertheless stood by the decision to demote Schreiber to second place.
The Luxembourg Cycling Federation filed a protest, but Schreiber said she was unsure whether that would have any effect.
While much of the attention has focused on the controversy, Schreiber insisted that her sporting performance should not be overlooked. "In my opinion, this was the best race I have ever ridden", she told RTL.
Schreiber added that she felt strong right from the start, and that competing for the victory at this level gives her huge confidence for the future. Looking ahead, she said that she can be proud of what she has achieved.
