A number of cyclists riding in the Paris-Roubaix classic narrowly escaped getting hit by a high speed train after continuing under the barriers during Sunday's race.
French state railway company SNCF have called for police action after several riders deliberately crossed the track, despite the barriers lowering to indicate that a train was due to come through.
A police motorcycle eventually stepped in to stop the riders from crossing as just a few seconds after the final cyclist in the peloton rode through, a train passed the Wallers crossing.
President of the jury of race commissioners Guy Dobbelaere defended the cyclists by telling AP: "It wasn't possible for the leading riders to stop sufficiently safely. The peloton was 10 metres away when the barrier started to close.
"By neutralising the race for a few moments to not penalise those who stopped, we respected the spirit of the rule. In theory, those who pass when the barrier is down are thrown out of the race. This time, that would have been unjust in respect of those riders who weren't identified."
2012 Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins finished 18th in the race.
