England and Denmark are facing quite a rivalry this summer.
First there was Brexit and various fish disputes, then football – and yes, before you ask, the British continued to demand a gold in diving – and now there has been a big drop out at the Olympics.
Sure, we’re talking about a shock with the British team, but most Danes seem pretty ignorant that there is anything other than England across the North Sea, so this is more of the same!
Qualified for tomorrow’s final
For just a few moments, a Danish cyclist plowed into the back of his British opponent in the pursuit of 4,000 meters – a track event where two teams of four set off at opposite ends of the velodrome.
The winners are the team that rides the fastest time, although another means of victory is actually catching up with the other team.
The Danish cyclist in question, Frederick Madsen, was clearly not looking for where he was going, but the clash has been judged well enough to award Denmark the victory and a place in the final against Italy tomorrow, where they will run for gold. .
Considered “shameful” across the North Sea
The incident could have been considered an unfortunate accident if the cyclists dusted themselves off and shook hands, but Madsen continued to scream at British rider Charlie Tanfield while he lay dazed on the ground.
Commentators on the BBC’s website were outraged and called the behavior both “scandalous” and “shameful”, perhaps hoping that their vitriol could somehow help the disqualification of the Danish team.
“Shameful behavior from Denmark who shouted at Team GB – it was their fault!” said one.
“His insurance company does not pay this claim; the Dane was just not paying attention, ”chuckled another.
Maybe a little lucky
Two British former Olympic champions, Chris Hoy and Chris Boardman, thought that Denmark was lucky to advance to the final – and it is believed that an appeal can be made.
“As a leading rider on the team, always keep an eye on the team you are pursuing. It is called persecution for good reason. He was clearly not looking, ”Hoy said.
“Charlie Tanfield did the right thing by staying behind and on the black line – it was the Danish rider’s fault.”
“There was no reason for that at all! They look down, they look between the arms, maybe he was not aware of how fast he came to Britain there, ”Boardman added.
Final against Italy
The Danish men’s pursuit team shoots for gold against Italy at 11:06 on Wednesday morning. Like all track cycling, the coverage in Denmark is broadcast on the Discovery channel K5, a channel that is not free-to-air.
It will not be a walkover, as Italy broke Denmark’s world record in qualifying, although it must be said that it is impossible to beat the record if your opponents are too slow.
Another reason to resent the English / British!