UPDATE: Mathieu van der Poel spectator incident – police question fan and UCI file complaint in Loenhout

Mathieu van der Poel was involved in an early incident during the men’s race at the X2O Trofee Azencross Loenhout, after apparent contact with a spectator briefly unsettled the opening lap.

The moment occurred shortly after the start, as the world champion exited a corner and was forced into a sharp correction. Van der Poel momentarily lost balance, looked back towards the crowd and appeared to gesture in response, before continuing without losing significant ground.

Television replays showed a spectator’s hand making contact with Van der Poel’s handlebar as he passed through the section. Whether the contact was intentional or accidental remains unclear, but the incident added to an already disrupted opening phase for Van der Poel, who had also been dealing with a gear issue at the start.

Despite the scare, Van der Poel quickly regained composure and remained in the leading group as the race settled, with no further consequences stemming from the incident.

Further details have emerged following the early spectator incident involving Mathieu van der Poel during the men’s race at the X2O Trofee Azencross Loenhout.

According to race organiser Golazo, the spectator who made contact with Van der Poel’s handlebar in the opening lap was identified and taken away by police for questioning shortly after the incident. The action followed a review of television footage, after which officers located the individual on site.

Golazo confirmed that both the organiser and the UCI have filed an official complaint in relation to the incident.

Christophe Impens, speaking on behalf of the organiser, said the man involved was “clearly under the impression” following the incident and maintains that there was no intent to cause harm. He added that the spectator wishes to apologise personally to Van der Poel.

Van der Poel himself addressed the situation after the race, reiterating that he did not believe the contact was deliberate. He explained that supporters can sometimes become so focused on cheering that they forget riders are still approaching at speed, adding that he was fortunate to remain upright after the contact on a fast section of the course.

Golazo stressed that the vast majority of the crowd in Loenhout behaved appropriately throughout the event, describing the episode as an isolated and regrettable moment on an otherwise well-managed race day.

Watch the incident unfold in the video below!