"Anyone who wants to throw beer will now think twice" - Bart Wellens praises quick police response to Iserbyt controversy at Koppenbergcross

There were some unsavoury scenes last Friday, November 1st at Koppenbergcross as Belgian national champion Eli Iserbyt was the victim of some targeted abuse by a member of the crowd, how opted to launch their beer as Iserbyt as he rode past.

On lap 2, as Iserbyt and teammate Michael Vanthourenhout looked to put the pressure on at the front of the race, a supporter at the side of the course vented his frustrations at Iserbyt, throwing a drink over the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal star. A few moments later, TV cameras spotted the fan in question being escorted away from the race by security.

"For once, they handled that perfectly," praises the two time cyclocross world champion in his column for Het Nieuwsblad. "First there was speaker Niko De Muyter who immediately responded by calling for it to be sporting. But more importantly, barely a few minutes later, footage was shown of how the beer-thrower was led away by the police. Everyone was able to see that action is being taken after all."

"Beer throwing happens all the time and it is always passed. But actually it shouldn't be and that's why I can only applaud the approach of both organisation and police. And that an official report has been drawn up. Anyone who wants to throw beer will think twice now," continues the Belgian. "By the way, the Koppenberg was again a big party for the cross. There were more people watching the juniors than came to see the elites at any other cross this season. In the elite, you could perfectly follow where Iserbyt and co were via the audience. And then there are those guys who call for the race to be held on Wednesday. I ran into Erwin Vervecken and he stuck to a dry ‘hi’. I knew immediately what time it was. To be clear, I understand why they want to organise on November 1 and last Friday proved that all too well. But my concern went to the riders' staff. Otherwise: long live the Koppenberg."