“They called me a traitor and a coward for chasing Van Aert” - Florian Vermeersch reveals online abuse after Dwars door Vlaanderen

The passage through Dwars door Vlaanderen delivered one of the week’s most-discussed stories, with Florian Vermeersch as the unexpected protagonist beyond the sporting result. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider became one of the names of the race after his late move, when he set off in pursuit of Wout van Aert, a fully competitive decision that nevertheless sparked a negative backlash on social media that was hard to fathom.

The finish was razor-thin: Filippo Ganna prevailed right on the line after catching Van Aert in the final metres. But beyond the outcome, part of the spotlight shifted to Vermeersch, singled out by some fans for his role in the chase alongside the Italian which ultimately led to his success.

In an interview with Sporza, Vermeersch explained how he experienced the situation, especially after receiving hate messages and threats. “It hit me harder than I expected,” the Belgian admitted.

The rider said it was a completely new experience for him: “I was surprised, yes. It was the first time I received hate messages and little threats. I had never experienced anything like this. It got to me for a moment, but now I’ve been able to process it.”

Far from pointing fingers at anyone in particular, Vermeersch sought to lower the temperature: “I don’t blame you for anything. But it’s confronting, because I didn’t think it would affect me this much.”

He also showed a measure of resignation about a reality increasingly common in sport: “I’m also aware I’m not an exception. I saw an article about the Italian defender Bastoni, who made a mistake and received death threats. It’s an everyday thing, but this was the first time I was the victim and it hit me harder than expected.”

Strictly on the sporting side, the UAE rider defended his decision-making in the finale: “I rode with everything I had to win. It was my last chance, but in one of the final corners I cramped in my hamstring. Then, unfortunately, there’s not much more you can do.”

This rider has built a solid résumé in the classics, highlighted by his victory at the Antwerp Port Epic in 2022. His biggest result came with second place at Paris-Roubaix 2021, one of the most demanding races on the calendar. He also finished second overall at the Renewi Tour 2023 and at the Veneto Classic 2025.

In 2026 he underlined his consistency with third places at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Classic whilst being a permanent presence at the front during the big cobbled classics. Whilst he will be a supporting rider for Tadej Pogacar at the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix may present a unique opportunity for the Belgian.