Dutch Cyclist Arrested Ahead Of Title Race Over Fight In Hotel: Report
NDTV
The 27-year-old was among the favourites for the rainbow jersey and started the 266.9 kilometre (165.4 miles) slog around the coastal city of Wollongong south of Sydney on Sunday, but retired in the early stages.
Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel was arrested on the eve of Sunday's elite road race at the world championships after a late-night altercation with noisy neighbours, a report said.
The 27-year-old was among the favourites for the rainbow jersey and started the 266.9 kilometre (165.4 miles) slog around the coastal city of Wollongong south of Sydney on Sunday, but retired in the early stages.
Belgium broadcaster Sporza said it spoke to him before the start and he told them: "It's true, yes."
"There was a small dispute. It was about noisy neighbours and they are quite strict here. I wasn't back in my room until four o'clock (in the morning). That's certainly not ideal. It's a disaster, but I can't change anything any more. I'm trying to make the best of it," he said.
