Crosshooligans
In Hulst, Mathieu van der Poel spat on fans who threw beer and urine at him. — ©sporza
On Thursday, after reconnoitring the terrain for the Duinencross in Koksijde, cyclocross cyclists will be able to report rioters along the route to the police.
“If during exploratory training the runners encounter people who attack them with whistles and swear words or who hit them with mugs of beer and urine, they can warn us before starting. We are in contact with the police who will make further efforts at the Flemish Duinencross to prevent so-called fans from disturbing or obstructing the participants.” This is what Jan Deramoudt, who coordinates cyclocross for the organizing municipality Koksijde, says. These additional efforts involve the deployment of additional plainclothes police officers and perhaps even drones. The images from the cameras will also be followed very closely at the command post, even if the cross is not yet on live television.
It is nothing new that plainclothes police patrol the probably more than ten thousand cross-country enthusiasts along the route. But according to Police Chief Nico Paelinck of the West Coast Local Police Area, the focus so far has been on incidents with drunk people or brawlers in beer tents. “In the long history of the Flemish Duinencross, we have never had to intervene for people who hindered the riders.”
By focusing now on cyclist attackers, the organization is responding to current events, according to Deramoudt. During the World Cup cross in Hulst, Holland, on December 30, future winner Mathieu van der Poel was attacked by fans who not only insulted him but also hit him with beer and urine. The driver responded by spitting at the rioters on the final lap.
“As an organization, we are taking the lead in eliminating this problem from cyclocross. Everyone should be able to experience cross-country skiing in a fun and safe way: whether it’s cheering, working or cycling,” explains Deramoudt. In recent days not only has he asked his stewards to be particularly attentive to misconduct towards runners, but also the entourages of some runners have received a phone call to inform the organization and the police of the “cross hooligans” who behave bad. “Should the riders or their entourage report such illicit behavior, we will intervene immediately.” According to police chief Paelinck, this is possible as part of the protection of public order.
Adrie van der Poel, winner in Koksijde in 1996 and father of Mathieu, had already received such a call. He speaks of “a fantastic initiative”, but regrets that the efforts are necessary. “It is deeply sad that the organization has to employ extra people for the safety and well-being of cyclists. This also means additional costs for them. Hopefully they won’t have to do them again in the future. There was no negativity in the last cross. Happy.”
2024-01-03 02:00:00
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