Mathieu van der Poel escaped unharmed in the opening lap of the X2O-cross in Loenhout after a strange incident involving a spectator. The world champion appeared to be touched by the hand of the supporter, causing him to nearly lose his balance. The spectator has been taken in for questioning by the police.
Van der Poel didn’t get off to the best start in Loenhout but quickly found his way back forward. However, after a corner, the Dutchman suddenly almost lost his balance.
Initially, it was unclear why Van der Poel slipped, but a replay of the moment showed how a spectator—whether intentionally or not—touched the 30-year-old rider’s handlebars with his hand. Fortunately, Van der Poel was unharmed and was able to continue his race.
The spectator has since been taken in by the police for interrogation. Golazo—the organizer of the X2O Badkamers Trophy—and the UCI have also filed a complaint.
🚵🇧🇪 | Wat gebeurde daar? Mathieu van der Poel lijkt geraakt te worden door de hand van een toeschouwer? Het is echter de vraag of dit bewust was. 🤔
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This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred in cyclocross. During the Hofstade race, there was also a very striking moment with a spectator playing a negative role: Van der Poel was unpleasantly surprised by a spectator’s action just a few laps from the finish. The man deliberately blew smoke into the Dutchman’s face.
After the race, Van der Poel was asked about the incident. “Did I notice it during the race? Yes, just after the finish. I just don’t know if it was intentional or not.”
