"We have several witnesses" - Police give update on search for those throwing beer over Mathieu van der Poel at Tour of Flanders

Although Mathieu van der Poel powered to a stunning triumph at the 2024 Tour of Flanders, there was a moment of discontent as the Dutchman was showered with abuse by a certain section of 'supporters', with beer also been thrown on the world champion.

“We certainly take it seriously,” says Chief of Police Joost Duhamel in conversation with Het Nieuwsblad. “As a beer thrower you may think that it is not easy to be found in such a crowd. Yet. We have several witnesses. People who have seen it happen and who are not okay with this behaviour. There are also many videos showing all kinds of things. We receive videos, and we also actively search for images of the perpetrators. A member of our force has been working on this all the time and we are already seeing results.”

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It's the first time van der Poel has been subject to such treatment by Belgian fans in recent months as the Alpecin-Deceuninck star also suffered abuse and liquid thrown over him during the recent cyclocross winter. On that occasion, van der Poel even responded with a spit into the crowd himself.

“One person is clearly in the picture,” says Duhamel in a warning to those who felt the need to vent their frustrations at van der Poel in such a manner. “It does take a certain amount of time to prepare a file. But my feeling is that we will get around to finding the perpetrators. People who have thrown beer can also report spontaneously. With us in Oudenaarde or at another police station.”

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Katy Madgwick

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