Duinencross organisers attempt to prevent the Mathieu van der Poel spitting event from repeating by assigning extra security staff

Unsportsmanlike reactions from spectators: after the spitting incident with Mathieu van der Poel in the Hulst World Cup, it is a theme again. The organization of the Koksijde Duinencross wants to prevent a recurrence and is therefore taking striking measures.

Crossers can point out rioters along the course to the police on Thursday after exploring the course in Koksijde. The organization wants to remove the bad apples from the audience before the race. "If during the training riders are confronted with people who attack them with boos and swear words or who pelt them with cups of beer and urine, they can notify us before the start," explains organizer Jan Deramoudt in conversation with Het Nieuwsblad.

"As an organization, we are taking the lead in eliminating this problem from cyclocross. As an organization it is our duty to take care of both the public and the riders. Everyone should be able to experience cyclocross in a fun and safe way: whether you are supporting, working or cycling," says Deramoudt.

Adrie van der Poel applauds the initiative of the organization of the Duinencross. "It is a fantastic initiative, but it is also a sad and deadly shame that the organization has to hire extra people for the safety and well-being of the riders. That also means extra costs for them. Hopefully they won't have to make them again in the future and the misconduct will disappear again. There was no negativity at all during the last cross. Happy."