Puck Pieterse s’exprime après l’attaque à la bouteille contre Van der Poel : « Ce genre de chose est tout simplement inacceptable. » Puck Pieterse speaks out after bottle attack on Van der Poel: “That kind of thing is just not acceptable”

Puck Pieterse s’exprime après l’attaque à la bouteille contre Van der Poel : « Ce genre de chose est tout simplement inacceptable. »

Puck Pieterse speaks out after bottle attack on Van der Poel: “That kind of thing is just not acceptable”

 

Dutch cyclo-cross star Puck Pieterse has strongly condemned the recent incident in which a spectator threw a full water bottle at fellow countryman Mathieu van der Poel during the Paris-Roubaix race. The attack occurred with 32 kilometres remaining in the grueling 259.2-kilometre race, striking van der Poel in the face as he led the peloton towards his third consecutive victory in the prestigious event.

 

The perpetrator, a 28-year-old man, later admitted to the act, describing it as a “stupid gesture” and expressing deep regret. He handed himself in to Belgian police and apologised to van der Poel, acknowledging the potential danger of his actions. “I realise that I must apologise to all the riders and all the racing fans,” he stated in a letter published by Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws.

 

Van der Poel, visibly shaken by the incident, likened the impact to being struck by a stone. “I got hit in the face with a bottle at 50 kilometres per hour. That’s enough to break a jaw,” he remarked, emphasising the severity of the assault. He further described the act as “attempted manslaughter” and called for legal action against the individual responsible.

 

In the aftermath, Pieterse, a rising star in the world of cyclo-cross and mountain biking, took to social media to express her outrage. “That kind of thing is just not acceptable,” she wrote, voicing her concern over the increasing incidents of spectator misconduct in cycling events. Her statement resonated with many in the cycling community, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the safety of athletes.

 

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) also condemned the attack, labelling it “unacceptable behaviour” and pledging to explore all legal avenues to address such incidents. The UCI’s stance underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and safety of the sport.

 

This incident is not isolated. Van der Poel has previously been subjected to similar abuses, including being spat at during the E3 Saxo Classic earlier this year. Such recurring events have prompted discussions about the need for increased security measures and spectator education at cycling races.

 

In response to the growing concerns, organisers of upcoming cyclo-cross races have announced plans to bolster police presence to prevent further occurrences of spectator abuse. The Koksijde Cyclocross race, for instance, will implement enhanced security protocols to safeguard riders and maintain the sport’s reputation.

 

As the cycling community grapples with these challenges, Pieterse’s call for accountability and respect serves as a poignant reminder of the values that should underpin the sport. Her advocacy for a safer and more respectful environment reflects a collective desire to protect athletes and preserve the integrity of competitive cycling.

 

In conclusion, the bottle attack on Mathieu van der Poel has sparked widespread condemnation from within the cycling world. Puck Pieterse’s outspoken criticism highlights the urgent need for measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety and dignity of athletes in all cycling disciplines.