French Disqualification Ramifications

Traditionally in Europe when an athlete or team was about to be lapped they would be pulled out by officials. However recently there has been a change of policy to allow athletes and teams to continue which has been a huge benefit to the experience and learning of relay teams in particular. A team's 4th athlete, and sometimes the 3rd, would often not get to start depending on course layout.

In this case an unusual situation occurred where a very strong biker, Jonathan Oakey ends up beside, but a lap behind, the French number 3 rider who then drafts off him. They end up with almost identical bike splits and Tharreau of France certainly benefiting on the run from even a short rest on the bike. The team then goes on to win a sprint to the line for bronze from Switzerland.

The disqualification is certainly justified although there may be extenuating circumstances. The rule is written in anticipation of a situation where athletes are obviously caught and then join in or help others. But what about when the lapped athletes catch someone on the course? How do you know that rider is a lap behind you and not on the same lap? 

Hopefully the current policy continues even if there may be more pressure on coaches and athletes to be more aware of what's happening through the race.