A truly shocking moment was witnessed by fans and race organizers after a fan with learning disability entered the road and pushed cycling star, Maxim Belkov off his bike.
Soon after the Katusha-Alpecin cyclist understood what was happening, he pleaded with fans to not push any other rider during the middle of the race.
Belkov, 32, is part of this season’s Vuleta a Espana and fortunately, is able to continue the race without any injury.
This incident made Belkov go furious following the unexpected incident and left a rant on Facebook.
— Lorena Banderas (@LorenaBanderas) August 31, 2017
The fan was eventually arrested. However, it was Belkov that decided to not take any action towards him after learning he had a mental disability.
His first post stated: “Today at the 12th stage in the last mountain 1-2km before the GPM I was pushed and kicked out of the bike by one of the “fans” in a red T-shirt. I flew over the fence and fell into the sink pit. It’s outrageous and not athletic in relation to the riders! Maybe someone has a video of what happened… #LV2017.”
No further actions taken
Soon after this completely normal statement, the Russian rider made public his decision to not take any action against the fan.
He then said: “Through the Vuelta organizers I have received more details from the Guardia Civil about the incident that occurred yesterday on the Puerto del Torcal when a fan pushed me into the ditch. Apparently the man suffers from a mental disability.”
“For me this is more than enough reason not to undertake any further action against him. I am healthy and not injured, but it could have ended worse. Cycling is a very accessible sport. We need to keep it this way. I just hope that this incident will open the eyes of many fans.”
Finally, he made clear for all the other fans to never touch the cyclists while in the race.
