‘This is the last thing I wanted to happen’ – Spectator apologises after knocking Mathieu van der Poel off balance during Azencross

A spectator was immediately questioned by authorities after footage appeared to show them reaching over the fencing and knocking Mathieu van der Poel off balance during the elite men’s race at X2O Trofee Loenhout-Azencross in Loenhout, Belgium, on Monday.

The reigning World Champion was on his first of eight laps of the race and in a lead group when the spectator’s arm crossed over the blue circuit fencing, causing him to bobble on the slippery course, but he otherwise did not lose his position.