Clashes are relatively common in cyclo-cross but they are usually involuntary and mere race incidents. On Sunday, Vincent Baestens and Jens Adams went much further at the race in Hamme.

The two Belgians almost started a fight after an incident mid-race. Everything started at the top of a short hill, where the Crelan Vastgoedservice rider felt embarrassed by his Beobank-Corendon colleague. He hit out with his arm and, moments later, the two riders found themselves on the ground in a turn. Baestens responded with two violent attempts to hit Adams who was thrown into the barriers. Initially both were disqualified by the commissaires butAdams was allowed to return to the course, being regarded as the victim of the altercation. After the race, Adams was disqualified for good when new images emerged.

A few hours later, once the tension and pressure was gone, both riders shared their apology on social media.  

"With this message, I want to apologize to everyone for my behavior today during the cross in Hamme, especially Jens Adams,” wrote Baestaens. “My reaction was not good, but in the heat of the moment, I let myself be carried away. I will accept the punishment they give me for this gesture.”

His rival responded a little later.  

"I just read the apology of Vincent Baestaens,” Adams wrote. “I accept it. I must admit that I am still very touched by this episode. I was shocked when I saw the images in the tent of commissaires. In my defense, I did not hit him. I made a gesture with my arm to tell Vincent to be more careful. This gesture was interpreted differently by Vincent and the jury. But I am in no way an aggressive rider, and that's why I tried to stay calm when he threw me to the ground. As bad as it may have been, I would like to close the incident positively. I will meet with Vincent next week to fight more peacefully on our bikes. "