"Anyone who wants to throw beer will now think twice" - Bart Wellens praises quick police response to Iserbyt controversy at Koppenbergcross

Koppenbergcross organizer Bart Wellens has praised the quick response of the police after a spectator threw a beer at Eli Iserbyt on Sunday.

Iserbyt was riding in the lead of the race when a spectator threw a beer at him, hitting him on the back. The incident happened on the Koppenberg, one of the most famous climbs in cyclocross.

Wellens said that the police were on the scene within minutes and quickly apprehended the spectator. He said that the spectator was a man in his 20s and that he had been drinking alcohol.

Wellens said that he was pleased with the quick response of the police and that he hoped it would send a message to other potential troublemakers.

"Anyone who wants to throw beer will now think twice," he said.

Iserbyt was not injured in the incident, but he said that it was a "disgusting" act.

"I don't understand why someone would do something like that," he said. "It's just not right."

The incident is the latest in a string of attacks on cyclists in recent months. In March, a spectator threw a punch at Mathieu van der Poel during a race in the Netherlands. In April, a spectator threw a bottle at Wout van Aert during a race in Belgium.

The UCI, the governing body of cycling, has condemned the attacks and has called for stronger security measures at races.

In a statement, the UCI said that it was "deeply concerned" about the recent attacks on cyclists.

"These attacks are unacceptable and will not be tolerated," the UCI said. "The UCI is working with race organizers to implement stronger security measures to protect cyclists and spectators.

The UCI also said that it was considering increasing the penalties for spectators who attack cyclists.

The attacks on cyclists have raised concerns about the safety of the sport. Some cyclists have said that they are worried about being attacked while racing. Others have said that they are considering retiring from the sport because of the safety concerns.

The UCI has said that it is committed to making cycling a safe sport for everyone. The UCI is working with race organizers to implement stronger security measures and is considering increasing the penalties for spectators who attack cyclists.