The modern world of social media and journalism of which we are part, and which we would sometimes like to detach ourselves from, leads to this: Van der Poel moves a dubbed film and the video goes around the world, with poor Felipe Nystrom (the athlete Costa Rican involved) who receives thousands of insults on social media. And now he wants to retire.
The 40-year-old, much loved in the environment, did not expect that the Dutch phenomenon would arrive just after 26 minutes of the match. While he was enjoying the affection of the public, and in the typical Belgian general enthusiasm, he did not realize the arrival of the world champion. It doesn't have to happen but it can happen.
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THE STORY OF FELIPE NYSTROM
Nystrom's childhood was complicated: a victim of abuse, he found himself on the streets after losing everything due to drug addiction, trying to commit suicide several times. Having managed to recover also thanks to cyclocross, he now wants to end his northern campaign early. And probably his career. Here are his words to the sports website Sporza.
I feel terrible… What happened out there was 1000% my fault. Mathieu had to push me, he could have pushed me even harder. I found myself in the middle and I feel really guilty. I don't want Mathieu to receive criticism for what happened – Felipe Nystrom
Some told me I was stupid, but others said it was brutal and that he shouldn't have pushed me. It's terrible that he has to experience these negative messages because of a situation I put him in. I hope I can meet Mathieu and apologize to him by looking him in the eyes to express how sorry I am. I'll lend a hand to my compatriot Joseph Ramirez in Hulst, then leave him alone. I have to face the consequences of my actions, I let people down – Felipe Nystrom
GAVERE WORLD CUP RACE REPORT
We hope that there can be a meeting with Mathieu Van der Poel and that the situation can be resolved: competitive spirit is ok but sport goes far beyond that.
