I think it's a punishment for Italy going beyond the 2.4 deficit/GIP ratio...the entire EU asked for that...
no, trying to be serious once every while...it was because the final placing in the 5000m elimination race, which was to be considered "the final" of the combined event, despite being held earlier than the 500m sprint race...
from the Worldskate website: "Barrault and Valanzano tied in the final ranking and, following the rules, the Silver medal went to France thanks to a better placement in the 5.000mt Elimination"...
unfair, but this is how they managed the situation...
ops...it was already posted...I'm still sleeping this morning...
thanks to @Dunadan