As the two complete their pass Alexei sees his defeat faster and more clear than anyone; his quick start leaves him too eager and too committed. He realizes his mistake at the last moment and tries to compensate. He pulls back a bit to enforce his defense but it is hopeless. His opponent's lance slips past and clashes against him. Not hard, but hard enough. His armour and protections easily soak it, but a palpable hit nonetheless, while his own lance met nothing but a glance off his shield. He grimaces as he kills the momentum of his horse and lets it slow to a canter before wheeling. He raises his lance in salute.
"Well won my Sodale. Well won! May you fair well to the end so that I may say I lost to the champion." he bows and hands his lance to Michel while Helmut takes the reins of his horse.