Stray dog chases Mathieu van der Poel during Druivencross - Video

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Dog runs along racers through finishing straight in Overijse

Mathieu van der Poel
Mathieu van der Poel (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Mathieu van der Poel (Coredon-Circus) found himself sprinting against a stray dog that had gotten away from its owner at the end of the first lap at Vlaamse Druivencross in Overisje on Sunday. 

The dog was eventually caught with no harm done to any of the riders, and Van der Poel went on to win the race.

Video footage surfaced of the stray dog, with a leash still hanging from its collar, running alongside the riders during the elite men's race as they passed through the finishing straight at the end of the first lap.

The dog was first seen running behind the two leaders Pidcock and Hermans, but it looked to give up its chase, until Iserbyt and Van der Poel then passed through the straightaway. 

The dog was then seen chasing Van der Poel's back wheel as he tried to sprint away from it through the finish line at the start of the second lap.

Kirsten Frattini
Kirsten Frattini
Editor

Kirsten Frattini has been the Editor of Cyclingnews since December 2025, overseeing editorial operations and output across the brand and delivering quality, engaging content.

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Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science. She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races, reporting on the WorldTour, Spring Classics, Tours de France, World Championships and Olympic Games.