Overview

• During the 2025 Paris-Roubaix race, Mathieu Van der Poel was struck in the face by a bottle thrown by a spectator, which he described as a 'tentative d’homicide involontaire.'
• The individual responsible, identified as a Flemish man, voluntarily presented himself to Belgian police and has reportedly expressed regret for the incident.
• Van der Poel remains adamant about pursuing legal action, emphasizing the severity of the act and its potential consequences if the bottle had caused greater injury.
• Race organizer ASO announced it will not file a complaint, framing the incident as a personal matter for Van der Poel to address, despite condemning the act.
• The incident highlights ongoing concerns about spectator misconduct in cycling, with Van der Poel previously targeted by object-throwing, spitting, and other harassment during races.