Crash at Ronde van Brugge: Climate activist causes last year's winner to drop out

Belgian climate activist Wouter Mouton caused a crash in the peloton at the Ronde van Brugge. Mouton sat down in the middle of the course 15 kilometres before the finish on the Brieversweg cobblestone section and the cameras caught the image. The organiser's support motorbikes suddenly braked, causing confusion for everyone involved. The sudden stop caused a crash in the field, which affected several riders, with some pros falling onto the neighbouring meadow. Juan Sebastián Molano from UAE Emirates-XRG, last year's winner of the race, was unable to avoid the crash and hit the cobblestones hard. He subsequently had to abandon the race.

Known repeat offender

Mouton is known in Belgium for his disruptive behaviour at sporting events. He had already protested on the home straight of the Tour of Flanders in 2022. Mouton wore a T-shirt with the inscription "Children die from the climate crisis in 3,2,1...". After a brief pause, the protester fled from the road onto the hard shoulder, but the crash had already happened. The peloton was able to pick up speed again immediately afterwards, but some of the pros were still on the ground.

Legal consequences

The police arrested Mouton immediately after the incident and took the man into custody. The race organisers Golazo have already announced that they will press charges. The case could be presented to the public prosecutor's office in the next few days and lead to summary proceedings. Meanwhile, UAE Emirates-XRG is also considering legal action. Sports Director Fabio Baldato told Tuttobiciweb after the race: "Molano himself didn't understand what had happened at first: suddenly a motorbike stopped on the track and he crashed to the ground." The incident is the first notable one this season, after many protests paralysed cycling at times last year. The Tour of Spain even had to cancel the final stage completely. The issue of safety is therefore more present again and is likely to be at the back of the riders' minds.