A spectator who struck professional cyclist Mathieu van der Poel with a water bottle during his victory at Paris-Roubaix has publicly apologized for his actions. The incident, which Van der Poel described as "attempted manslaughter," sparked concern over rider safety in cycling. After handing himself into the police, the spectator expressed remorse for his impulsive decision, attributing his actions partly to excessive alcohol consumption. Both Van der Poel’s team and rival cyclists have called for stronger measures to protect competitors from such reckless behavior.
"Of course, I wanted to apologize to Mathieu van der Poel himself. I am so happy that he crossed the finish line first on Sunday - despite my stupid action."
"Mathieu van der Poel was approaching and when he passed I made that stupid decision and threw that water bottle. Why did I do that? I've been asking myself that question ever since, but I don't have an explanation for it myself."
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