31/12/2023

"Mathieu's reaction is 100 percent human" - Van der Poel has support of race organiser following spit at spectators

Mathieu van der Poel's seventh successive cyclocross victory this winter was not without controversy in Hulst. Despite the dominant nature of his win, all the talk post-race was regarding one incident.

So far ahead was van der Poel that on the last lap he had time to slow down and spit at a section of the spectators that had been giving him abuse throughout the day and even allegedly threw urine and beer at the Dutch superstar.

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

It's fair to say, reaction has been mixed. Next up for van der Poel is the GP Sven Nys in Baal and organiser of that race, Christophe Impens has given the world champion his support. “Mathieu's reaction is 100 percent human,” he says in conversation with Sporza. "I am of course less able to appreciate the reaction of those so-called supporters. They probably take a lot of courage and then stoop to such marginal behavior. They probably cannot identify with the fine person and successful champion that Mathieu is. That is a great shame."

On the allegations of urine being thrown, Impens is understandably disgusted. "If that is true, then it is something other than booing. There is shouting at every event in every sport. That is not the best action as a supporter, but beer with urine really goes way too far."

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What Impens is keen to point out however, is that this by no means reflects the wider cyclocross crowd. "Let us be clear: this concerns 0.5 percent - or even less - of those present. It is a rarity," he insists. "I have indeed heard booing more often in recent weeks, but that is not new either. Those who are successful face opposition. But in this small cross family that is a great pity."

Hopefully, in Baal the likes of van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock won't have a similar reaction. "Keep it normal and come and enjoy such a beautiful champion. You can only respect what he does, whether you are for or against," is the message to fans. "During the cross, speakers will constantly call on people to show respect and the stewards must also keep an eye on things. If they see groups behaving strangely, they must notify us. And we also count on the social control of other supporters. "