ling Shock – *”VAN DER POEL CRASH: Mathieu van der Poel Suffers Serious Head Injury in Devastating Crash, Leaving Fans and Peloton in Shock and Concern for His Health

In a shocking incident during the 2025 Paris-Roubaix race, Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel was struck in the face by a full water bottle thrown by a spectator. The attack occurred approximately 33 kilometers from the finish line, while van der Poel was leading the race solo. Despite the impact, he maintained his composure and went on to secure his third consecutive victory in this prestigious event citeturn0news21

 

Van der Poel described the sensation as akin to being hit by a stone and labeled the act as “attempted manslaughter.” The 28-year-old Belgian man responsible for the attack turned himself in to the police the following day, expressing deep remorse for his actions. He admitted to being under the influence of alcohol at the time and acknowledged the recklessness of his behavior citeturn0news20.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across the cycling community. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and van der Poel’s team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, have both called for stringent legal action against the perpetrator. This event has reignited concerns about rider safety and the need for stricter measures to prevent such occurrences in the future citeturn0search0.

Despite the adversity, van der Poel’s resilience and determination shone through as he overcame not only the attack but also a puncture to claim victory. His triumph stands as a testament to his exceptional skill and mental fortitude in the face of unforeseen challenges.