“Anyone can call themselves a journalist” – Eli Iserbyt subject to online abuse following suspension

Earlier this month, Eli Iserbyt became the most talked-about rider in cyclocross for all the wrong reasons. The 26-year-old found himself at the centre of controversy after being disqualified in Beringen for lashing out at Ryan Kamp following a crash. This incident led to a suspension, and while Iserbyt returned to action with a victory this weekend, the backlash has hardly faded. In de Leiderstrui caught up with a number of riders and team members over the weekend, to get their thoughts on the online abuse.

In the wake of the incident, Iserbyt has reported receiving a flood of online hate, highlighting the darker side of fan reactions within the sport. Speaking at Heerderstrand, he acknowledged the toll the backlash has taken and directed some responsibility towards the media, saying, "I think it is mainly up to the media that allow responses to their reports to monitor them. Some media don't tolerate reactions, and I think that's a good thing. If you can't monitor it, you shouldn't allow it, in my opinion."

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Reflecting on his experience, Iserbyt emphasised the media's impact on public perception: "The media plays a significant role; they feed the people who read what the journalists write. Today, it is becoming increasingly important not to stir up public opinion. That is the most important thing for me, and the media realizes they play a significant role. It's not over for me. I'm racing again, so it will slowly start to fade, but these will remain issues that will always stay with me."

Support from within the cycling community has been mixed. Iserbyt’s teammate, Michael Vanthourenhout, expressed empathy for the scrutiny his colleague faced. “I can only imagine it's not nice when someone sends such messages. In that respect, I think the reactions also show some jealousy. It's not fun for anyone who has been discredited. Everyone makes mistakes, and Eli deserves a second chance.” Vanthourenhout, who has won four cyclocross World Cup races himself, is no stranger to the pressures that come with high-profile competition.

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Lars van der Haar, another notable figure in cyclocross, echoed concerns over the nature of online abuse, highlighting the divide between real fans and abusive critics. “The real cross fans don't do it, and those are the people we ultimately depend on," he remarked, before adding, "Behind a laptop, it's so easy to ruin someone completely. That's just really sad.”

This issue of online abuse within cyclocross is not isolated to Iserbyt. Six-time world cyclocross champion Mathieu van der Poel has also faced aggression, though of a more physical nature. Over the course of the last few years van der Poel has endured verbal abuse, spitting, and even urine thrown at him during a race, eventually retaliating against a group of fans. Such incidents highlight the range of abuse athletes face, whether from behind screens or on the sidelines.

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Cyclocross legend Sven Nys weighed in, remarking on the way social media has changed the dynamics of fan interactions. “On social media, people can very easily express their opinions without being taken to task," Nys commented. "That's not new, something social media has brought with it. It's a shame that nowadays, anyone can call themselves a journalist, and little is done about such comments. If you have a lot of success, you have a lot of critics who would rather have you fall on your face. I used to experience that as an athlete, too."

The discussion over Iserbyt’s suspension and subsequent abuse sheds light on a broader issue affecting not only cyclocross but sports as a whole. Athletes and their supporters are calling for greater accountability from media outlets and a shift in how fans engage online. As Iserbyt returns to racing, this debate continues, with many hoping for a more respectful environment for competitors and fans alike.