Cycling great Mathieu van der Poel has called for serious punishment after a bottle thrown by a spectator struck him in the face.

The Dutchman claimed his third-straight victory at the Paris-Roubaix, this time over Tadej Pogacar in what is proving to be one of the sport’s new great rivalries.

AFP

Eurosport

But an idiotic fan stole the headlines[/caption]

However, despite the success Van der Poel was rightly left fuming by the actions of one fan.

With 33 kilometres to race at the Templeuve strip, he was struck at close range by a bottle.

Thankfully the 30-year-old avoided a crash and took home victory, but called for serious action post-race.

“I hope they identify him and prosecute him,” he told NOS. 

“I get a full water bottle in my face at fifty an hour. That’s enough to break a jaw. We can’t let that pass.”

This isn’t the first time Van der Poel has been the victim of abuse from a spectator in his career, or even in 2025 alone.

At the end of March during the E3 Saxo Classic a man leaned out of the crowd to spit in the Dutch rider.

The Ronse police launched an investigation into the incident and put out the following statement: “Such behavior is unacceptable. The Ronse police will start an investigation. 

“We want to send a clear message that we absolutely do not tolerate this kind of behavior.

“We call on supporters to show their love for cycling in a respectful and sporting manner during the upcoming races. 

“Cycling is part of our heritage. Everyone who is part of it, whether it concerns signallers, police officers, emergency workers or the athletes themselves, deserves respect from the spectators. 

Eurosport

Earlier this year the Dutchman was spat at[/caption]

“People who can help us identify the man in the picture can always contact our services.”

Van der Poel commented: “Those are people who are better off not coming to watch the race.

“I can’t change anything about it myself. Unfortunately, yes [it keeps happening].”

Last year Van der Poel had a cap thrown at him during the Tour of Flanders while at the same event he was again spat at and doused in beer.