31/12/2023

"If they drink a beer, people quickly think that everything is allowed" - Sven Nys has sympathy for Mathieu van der Poel but urges the world champion to use his head in future situations

Tired of the constant stream of booing, verbal abuse and even allegedly urine and beer being thrown on him, Mathieu van der Poel lashed out on Saturday afternoon at the UCI World Cup in Hulst, spitting at spectators.

Cyclocross legend Sven Nys was watching closely and couldn't believe what he was seeing. "I understand Mathieu very well. But you'll look like a loser if you react like that. And I think he will realize that by now," said the Baloise - Trek Lions boss to NOS.

"I've had it with all the booing" - Mathieu van der Poel explains disgusting spit at spectator during Hulst World Cup

Van der Poel was fined 250 Swiss Francs by the UCI for his action. "This isn't new, is it. I've never known it any other way, although I don't understand why there are supporters who want to stand along the course like this," Nys continues. "Sometimes the frustration becomes too great and then the bucket overflows. But it's better not to respond. Because who wins now? That bullying supporter."

"In cyclo-cross there is always a rivalry between Belgium and the Netherlands. And in the end, alcohol always plays a major role: if they drink a beer, people quickly think that everything is allowed," Nys concludes. "If someone is very dominant and stands out as much as Mathieu, then there are always people who would like to see him take the piss. Call it jealousy or envy, I don't know."