‘Let’s hope Mathieu accepts the apology’ - Police interrogate spectator after Van der Poel incident in Loenhout

Mathieu van der Poel was almost knocked off his bike during the early stages of the Azencross in Loenhout on Monday when a stray arm from a spectator clipped the World Champion and nearly caused him to crash. 

Thankfully, the world champion was not impacted by the incident and was able to continue. This is not the first incident this season involving a member of the crowd and the world champion, after a spectator blew smoke in Van der Poel's face at Hofstade last week.

Van der Poel would go on to win a record-equalling sixth Azencross in Loenhout, drawing level with Sven Nys, while Wout van Aert suffered multiple punctures, which ruled him out of contention.

Speaking after the race to the TV cameras, Van der Poel’s initial feelings were that the incident was an accident rather than intentional.

“I think he [the spectator] was just supporting, but not looking behind me,” said Van der Poel. “I don't really know what happened, but I was very lucky because it was right up against my handlebars, and I can just about keep them straight in a section where it was quite fast. But of course, that can happen when there are a lot of people."

The world champion was asked further if he felt the spectator’s actions were intentional. “No, I didn't get that feeling [it was intentional]. Of course, I haven't watched the footage yet, but I think it was just, as often happens, people are supporting very hard and sometimes forget that there are other riders coming. I think it was more like that,” said Van der Poel.

Van der Poel also reflected on his impressive bike skills, which helped him stay upright after the contact had occurred, modestly stating he was lucky.

“Yes, that’s also a bit of luck, of course. If someone bumps into your handlebars, it can go either way. But I was indeed lucky that I was just able to stay upright,” he concluded.

Race organiser Christophe Impens of Golazo expanded on the incident, revealing that the spectator involved was quickly taken for questioning.

“The police had viewed the footage themselves and started looking for the man on their own initiative. So the man was taken in for questioning. Apparently, I heard that he was quite shocked that it happened, that it wasn’t intentional,” said Impens to Sporza.

“It’s up to the police to decide whether it really wasn’t intentional. But I would still like to say, there are 15,000 people here, 15,000 supporters, and they all behaved very exemplary,” said Impens of the massive crowds that the Azencross in Loenhout drew once more.

“I hope Mathieu doesn’t take it too seriously. He [the spectator] himself wants to apologise to Mathieu personally. The UCI has filed a complaint on behalf of the organisers, so it will certainly be investigated,” added Impens.

Impens also explained how the spectator was able to be quickly identified and taken away for questioning whilst the race was still on

“Thanks to the temporary footage from VRT, they were actually able to get a freeze-frame of the person in question and what happened.”

“Let’s hope it's settled amicably and that Mathieu accepts the man’s apology. That’s the most important thing,” he concluded.

Later, the spectator involved told Sporza: “I have nothing against Mathieu van der Poel. I feel terribly guilty. It was never my intention. I love cyclocross, so this is the last thing I wanted to happen. I’d like to apologise to Mathieu again.”