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Cyclist Mathieu van der Poel Claims Spectator Bottle Throw Was Attempted Manslaughter During Paris-Roubaix Race
Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel has alleged that a spectator attempted to cause him serious harm by hurling a full water bottle at his face during the prestigious Paris-Roubaix race. The alarming incident occurred approximately 33 kilometers from the finish line of the renowned cycling event.
Bottle Attack During Cobbled Race
Footage captured during Sunday’s Paris-Roubaix race shows Mathieu van der Poel, a celebrated triple Roubaix winner, maintaining a steady pace on a challenging cobbled road when the disruption unfolded. As crowds of onlookers applauded and cheered him along, a spectator abruptly stepped forward and launched a water bottle directly at his face as he cycled past.
Video Evidence of Spectator Misconduct
Social media is circulating video footage of the incident, clearly showing the moment the water bottle struck the side of the world champion cyclist’s head with considerable force. Van der Poel visibly flinches from the impact of the projectile.
Van der Poel Demands Investigation and Legal Action
Despite ultimately winning the race, Van der Poel is advocating for a thorough investigation into the spectator, who has reportedly surrendered to law enforcement. He has also declared his intention to pursue legal action against the individual.
‘We cannot disregard this act. The bottle was full, and the impact was quite painful. Had it struck my nose directly, it could have been broken,’ Van der Poel stated to Sporza. He further expressed his hope that his team will take decisive steps to press charges, even if police action is not immediately forthcoming.
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‘It is my hope that the police can identify this man, as this situation warrants a trial,’ he asserted on Sunday. ‘This is, in my view, attempted manslaughter. Should the UCI fail to take action, our team will pursue it independently.’
Impact Described as “Like a Stone”
In the post-race press briefing, Van der Poel clarified that the incident did not detract from his overall enjoyment of the race. However, he vividly described the sensation of the bottle’s impact as being ‘akin to a stone hitting my face’.
Mathieu van der Poel during the Paris–Roubaix race when a spectator threw a water bottle at his face.
Video footage shows the yellow bottle in flight just before striking the world champion’s head.
Van der Poel reacted to the impact but continued racing and secured victory.
The bottle is seen falling to the ground as Van der Poel cycles away from the location of the incident.
A separate image from the race captured a different spectator throwing a cup of brown liquid at the cyclist on the Carrefour de l’Arbre cobbled sector.
Broader Spectator Conduct Concerns
‘While beer-throwing is also unacceptable, this bottle incident is a more serious matter. We must pursue legal action in response to this,’ Van der Poel emphasized, highlighting a wider issue of spectator behavior at cycling events.
Team Manager Downplays Spectator’s Significance
Team manager Philip Roodhooft downplayed the spectator’s importance, stating that the individual deserves ‘as little attention as possible’ to avoid overshadowing Van der Poel’s victory.
‘Individuals of this nature do not warrant focus,’ Roodhooft commented. ‘Our initial step is to determine if authorities can identify the person involved.’
‘It is important not to overemphasize this single incident, especially when considering the vast number of spectators who genuinely appreciate the accomplishments of Mathieu and other athletes participating.’
Perpetrator Turns Himself In
A spokesperson for the West Flanders public prosecutor’s office confirmed on Monday that the individual responsible turned himself in to the police following the widely reported incident.
While his identity remains undisclosed to the public, sources speaking to De Telegraaf indicate that he is reportedly ‘very sorry’ for his actions.
The man has been interrogated by the police, and a formal report will be submitted to the West Flanders public prosecutor’s office for review.
Second Spectator Incident During Race
Adding to the unfortunate spectator interaction, the water bottle assault was not the only instance Van der Poel faced during his Paris-Roubaix-winning performance.
Another image captured during the race shows a separate spectator throwing a cup of brown liquid at the Dutch cyclist while he was navigating the Carrefour de l’Arbre cobbled sector.
Cycling Community Outcry Against Spectator Actions
Following the series of disruptive spectator incidents, numerous cycling enthusiasts have voiced their disapproval of the bottle-throwing spectator on social media platforms.
Team Visma Condemns Object Throwing
Team Visma, a prominent World Tour cycling team, posted a statement: ‘Throwing objects at cyclists who are giving their absolute maximum effort – it must stop immediately! Focus on appreciating the spectacle of the race!’
Fans Express Disgust and Call for Action
Another angered cycling fan remarked: ‘It’s appalling to witness fringe elements of the crowd throwing water bottles at a champion. What is the motive? This absurdity must cease!’
Another comment echoed the sentiment: ‘This individual should be imprisoned. It’s unequivocally clear what happened’.