The dreaded Koppenberg was not the only obstacle Eli Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal) faced at the X20 Badkamers Trofee race in Udenalde on Friday. The 2020 cyclocross European champion had a glass of beer thrown at him by a spectator on the third lap of the race.

The man who supposedly threw the drink at Iserbitt was later escorted off the race course by security. He was arrested and may face criminal charges in the incident.

“This will not go down as the best day of that spectator's life,” said Christophe Impens, spokesman for race organizer Golazo. 'At the time, we immediately identified the image in the control room and sent it to the staff along the way. Once the person was identified, he was immediately accompanied by the police officer on duty.”

Yzerbito finished in second place, 34 seconds behind winner Lars van der Haar (Baloise Trek Lions) The 27-year-old told reporters at the finish that he was surprised by the incident.

“I felt bad for a second. It hit me in the face. It was unexpected and I lost my concentration for a moment. It was good that the police were able to take the man away immediately. It didn't have a big impact on the race, but I still had to recover for a moment,” Iserbito said.

“This kind of thing shouldn't happen,” Yzerbito later added to VTM. 'We must limit these kinds of incidents in the future. It shouldn't happen and it doesn't belong in cyclocross.”

For the Belgians, the cyclocross season has already been tumultuous. In his first race in Beringen, he stepped on rival Ryan Kamp's bike and was disqualified and suspended for three races.

The motive for the spectator throwing liquid at Iserbyt is unknown, but the rider has reportedly been abused online since his altercation with Kamp.

“It's very simple. According to Het Newsblad, Pauwels-Sausen-Bingold team manager Jürgen Mettpenningen said, “This is nonsense. People like that should stay home. Cyclocross is a beautiful sport.”

“I also think people reacting at home behind a keyboard are idiots. Support someone, but don't antagonize anyone,” he added.

Since the Camp incident, Yzerbito has won the Ixacto Cross race in Heerde and finished second in the Ovelaise and Ardoye races. He will be one of the favorites to win the European Championships in Pontevedra this weekend.

Despite the beer-throwing incident at the Koppenberg Cross, Iserbitt was disappointed to finish runner-up.

“I am a little disappointed with this result. Lars was definitely the strongest and his attack was impressive. Lars' attack was impressive. I just couldn't get on the wheels and got a little stuck.

“I feel I'm in good shape, but I keep bumping into people who are a little better. There are always people who are a little fresher in gear. Maybe that's where I should focus in training.”

Iserbitt is trying to put the incident behind him with a strong performance at the European Championships.

“I know Sunday will be a fast cross. It could look like a criterium. For me, that jersey means peace. It has been a turbulent period. Condition-wise, I've had a great season. My worst result in the last cross was second place. But mentally it was very difficult. If I win the title, it could all be over."