Mathieu van der Poel spat at the audience during the final round of the cyclo-cross World Cup in Hulst, Zeeland. The incident was clearly visible on television images.
The 28-year-old world champion stated afterwards that he was particularly annoyed by the constant booing from a group of spectators. “I was fed up with all the booing. It started during the warm-up lap. Then stay at home,” was his response to Sporza.
“I’m not going to repeat what they all shouted, you have to ask them yourself. That booing has no place in sport, for anyone. After a while it’s enough, including for me. I’m completely done with it.”
Van der Poel was again supreme in Hulst. He recorded his seventh win in seven matches. In the last lap the Dutchman slowed down a bit, knowing that his victory was safe. It was also the moment he lost his self-control.