Spectator who spewed to Van der Poel during E3 Saxo Classic, gets GAS fine (interior)
© IF, Belga
The viewer who was identified to cyclist Mathieu van der Poel Spuwde at the end of March during the E3 Saxo Classic cycling race. He will be punished with a GAS fine.
Source: Own reporting
Today at 03:00
The incident happened on Friday, March 28 during the E3 Saxo Classic, 31.5 kilometers from the finish. Van der Poel was busy in the Karnemelkbeekstraat on a long solo on the way to victory, and not everyone could appreciate that. One of the spectators, a bottle of beer in his hand, spit on the rear wheel of the Dutchman.
Van der Poel had not noticed it at the time, he said afterwards on arrival. But everything was filmed by a cameraman who followed the rider from a motorcycle, and the incident could be seen live on television. The indignant reactions rained on social media.
« This is outrageous, » responded the organization of the E3 Saxo Classic. « Such people should not come to the race. We have looked at the images, and he was not wearing a band of a VIP tent. If he had some connection with the E3 Saxo Classic, he was immediately fired. I hope the police will open an investigation, and that they give him a big fine. »
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« Domme move »
The Ronse police said the next day that such an investigation had been opened: « We want to give the signal that we absolutely do not tolerate this kind of action. We call on supporters to show their love for cycling in a respectful and sporting way during the coming rates. »
The police could eventually identify De Spuwer based on tips. According to various sources, this is a West Flemish from Harelbeke. He is punished with a GAS fine. The amount still has to be determined by a GAS officer, but will be at most 350 euros.
The man in question did not respond to questions from it on Monday Newspaper.
