The French cyclists’ union is to lodge a criticism with police after a spectator appeared to throw a biking cap at Mathieu van der Poel’s rear wheel as he soloed to victory at Paris-Roubaix.
The Union Nationale des Cyclistes Professionnels (UNCP) confirmed on Monday that it might lodge the criticism on behalf of worldwide riders’ affiliation the CPA.
“Tomorrow morning at 8.30am, a criticism will probably be lodged with the police by the CPA and the UNCP,” learn the assertion on Twitter, which was accompanied by a screenshot of the spectator in query. “We are asking anybody who may help determine this charming individual to take action.”
The incident passed off with 42km remaining, on the cobbled sector between Mérignies and Avelin. Van der Poel, who was already 1:38 away from the chasers, was unaffected by the tossed cap, however CPA president Adam Hansen highlighted the potential hazard of the incident, and he additionally signalled the union’s intention to take motion.
In such circumstances, the CPA requests its native chapter to file a police criticism. When a spectator brandishing a cardboard signal brought about a mass crash on the opening day of the 2021 Tour de France, as an illustration, she was taken to courtroom by the UNCP and in the end fined €1,200.
The cap toss was not an remoted incident at Paris-Roubaix. Later within the race, Van der Poel was reportedly doused in beer, as he had been on the Oude Kwaremont throughout his Tour of Flanders victory the earlier week.
Het Nieuwsblad reported on Monday that one of many culprits on the Ronde has been recognized by police.
“He has not but been interrogated, however he can count on an invite,” police spokesman Joost Duhamel informed the newspaper.
“There are individuals who suppose we’re proper to trace down these beer throwers, and others who surprise if we’ve got nothing higher to do. But Sunday’s incident throughout Paris-Roubaix clearly reveals that we should take motion. That behaviour should cease earlier than it goes from dangerous to worse.”
