Paris-Roubaix cap-throwing spectator offered a deal to avoid legal action

Mathieu van der Poel on the attack on the Merignies-Avelin cobblestones sector where a spectator threw a hat toward his wheels
Mathieu van der Poel on the attack on the Merignies-Avelin cobblestones sector where a spectator threw a hat toward his wheels (Image credit: Getty Images)

A woman accused of intentionally throwing a cycling cap at Mathieu van der Poel during his ride to victory in Paris-Roubaix has been offered a deal to avoid charges of intentional assault and battery.

The incident came with 42km to go in the 2024 edition of Paris-Roubaix while Van der Poel was in the midst of a winning solo breakaway. The women could be seen in video throwing her hat toward Van der Poel's bike. Fortunately, the cap bounced off did not get lodged in his drivetrain or cause any other problems.

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.

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