The splashes of the spitting incident with Mathieu van der Poel in Hulst can still be felt two days later in Baal. “I hope that everyone will show respect for the riders who trudge through the mud for an hour,” says Sven Nys before the start of his own GP.
Cyclocross is a sport of the people, but sometimes the people cross the line. In Hulst, Mathieu van der Poel was so fed up with the yelling of some supporters that he spat at them.
That incident still resonates in Baal two days later. Has Sven Nys taken measures to better protect Van der Poel and co?
“In principle, the New Year’s party here always remains within limits,” Nys tells Sporza. “There is some control by stewards and there is also the social control of people among themselves.”
“Every now and then something negative is said, unfortunately that is sometimes part of it. But let us hope that it remains within limits.”
“We hope to be able to keep everything under control. A lot has been raised. People have been asked to only support their own rider and to keep it within limits if it concerns a rider you are less of a fan of.” .”
“I assume that everyone will use their common sense and that everyone will show respect for the riders who trudge through the mud for an hour.”
Despite his great popularity, Sven Nys also experienced this in his career. For example, he once politely sought redress from a bully during a cross country race.
“As a rider, this is not nice. You sacrifice everything 365 days a year, for example you don’t celebrate on December 31. Then you come to work and you are booed.”
“Yet it is better not to respond to the level of the people who annoy you. That can only make things worse. Moreover, the person who challenged you will then think that he has won.”
“I think Mathieu now also thinks that he would have reacted better in a different way. But it is human. You have to try to remain calm, but sometimes it is the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”
2024-01-01 11:27:24
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