The UCI has announced that it is considering further action against Bahrain Victorias' Philippe Macejuk after he caused a major crash in Sunday's Tour de Flanders.

Macejuk was moving along the side of the road with 140km remaining in the race. He then entered a section of deep grass, lost control of his bike, crossed the road and crashed into the peloton.

His move caused a domino-like crash that sent many riders crashing.

Wout Van Aert (Jumbo Visma) was one of the riders who crashed, but he quickly remounted and returned to the peloton. Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates) also broke his collarbone, and Ben Turner (Ineos Grenadiers) broke his left arm.

The video referee (VAR) reviewed the footage of the incident and disqualified Maciejuk before the race was over. He immediately apologized on social media, but the UCI is considering further action.

"We want to set an example," UCI coordinator Peter van den Abel told Sporza. (Open in new tab)

"His strategy was absolutely wrong. He would never do anything that would jeopardize the safety of his fellow riders."

"There is no doubt that further disciplinary action will be taken. He will appear before the discipline committee. After that, we cannot rule out the possibility of a suspension or fine. We cannot let this slide."

For years, riders have used ditches, sidewalks, bike paths, and even dirt sections at the edge of the road to gain an edge in the race and improve their rankings. However, accidents and the danger to the public have forced the UCI to implement stricter rules and penalties.

"We were criticized when we introduced the rule against riding on sidewalks, but [Sunday's] result was huge for riders like Tim Wellens," noted Van den Abel.

"This is a negative trend and we need to get rid of it. We want to set an example and send a signal to riders that they have all the responsibility for safety."

The UCI also confirmed that it would investigate the DSM's use of a tactic later described by the Flemish media as "catenaccio" in the Tour of Flanders.

On the Corte Caire climb with about 126 km remaining, DSM's John Degenkolb and four teammates gathered in front of the peloton; DSM's John Degenkolb and four teammates rode in a group in front of the peloton. While this tactic did not affect the development of the race, it drew much criticism on social media.

Mathieu Van Der Pol posted a video on Twitter of a moment of group riding in Corte Caire and sarcastically called it "Chapeau Team DSM." Cycling News columnist Fabian Cancellara also contrasted this tactic with the absence of DSM riders at the top of the results table.

Trek-Segafredo attempted a similar move in Doir door Hlaanderen, which the UCI will investigate.

"We had also noticed this trend," Van den Abel said.

"We will analyze its tactics more closely. Everyone must be able to defend their chances, but this strategy is very extensive."