Cyclocross is never short on drama, and this season is no exception. From Eli Iserbyt stomping on Ryan Kamp’s bike, to a glass of beer thrown at Iserbyt on the Koppenberg, Lucinda Brand calling out Sara Casasola, and Alpecin-Deceuninck fuming over Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal’s tactics—now we’ve got a fan taking a hit to the face on live TV.
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This all happened during the sand cyclo-cross race in Antwerp last Sunday. The race was still in its early stages, with Laurens Sweeck leading and Thibau Nys still feeling fresh. Eli Iserbyt was approaching as well. However, a cheerful man on the right wasn’t paying attention—he was busy engaging with the TV cameras. He made a heart gesture with his hands and quickly paid the price for it.
Sweeck didn’t flinch and slammed the man’s elbow hard into the barriers. The 'victim's' reaction appeared to be a loud "OUCH." Although, judging by his glassy-eyed look, he may not have been all there to begin with. For Sweeck, the incident had no consequences; he eventually made it to the podium behind an untouchable Iserbyt. As for the man’s right arm, we don’t know—and honestly, we don’t really care either.
Bram van der Ploeg (35) is the proud founder of In de Leiderstrui, IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, launched in 2018. Finally, he could create stories about the sport he had followed since childhood. He is the editor-in-chief on paper, but prefers to be with his recorder next to a rider, a team bus, or in the mud at a cyclocross race. Every year, from February to the end of May, Bram follows the entire Italian cycling season, from the Trofeo Laigueglia to the Giro d'Italia, with the grand finale in October in Lombardy. During that time, he lives in Tuscany, where he has since come to call Italy his 'home'.