During the 2025 Paris-Roubaix, cyclist Mathieu van der Poel was struck in the face by a water bottle thrown by a spectator. The incident marred an otherwise thrilling race. Following the action, the UCI and Van der Poel's team condemned the spectator's behavior and are pursuing punishment. The culprit has turned himself in, expressing remorse for his actions. The UCI emphasized that such behavior is intolerable in cycling and will seek legal avenues to prevent further incidents.
"It was a full bidon, and it hurt a lot. If I take that bidon on my nose, it's broken," an angered Van der Poel said after the race on Sunday.
The UCI stated that they, along with the riders' union (CPA), race organisers association (AIOCC) and teams association (AIGCP), "unanimously condemn, in the strongest terms, the unacceptable behaviour of a spectator".
The spectator in question quickly became the subject of a police inquiry, and he turned himself in to the police in Waregem, Belgium.
The UCI wants to take the matter further, stating, "Such behaviour cannot be tolerated in the context of a cycling event" and said they "will explore, in conjunction with the competent authorities, all the legal channels at their disposal so that such behaviour is further addressed."
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