2023-11-14 16:30:00
The events took place in two stages. The two cyclists were training, in the company of a cycle tourist, on the national road linking Spa to Theux when they were overtaken in a dangerous manner, they considered, by the driver of the car. A first altercation followed: Loïc Vliegen went up to the vehicle, before being thrown sharply to the left because of the motorist’s steering wheel. For these facts, the public prosecutor considered the malicious obstruction of traffic.
A second scene took place not far away, this time in the center of Theux, where the athletes came across the car immobilized by traffic. Witnesses reported a scene of beatings started by the two athletes at the end of which Philippe Gilbert used pepper spray and which caused him to fracture his left hand. For these facts, the public prosecutor considers, however, that the occupants of the car acted in self-defense. On the other hand, the assault and battery have been established once morest the two cyclists, he concluded.
Note that as relayed by RTBF, Philippe Gilbert was not present at the trial this Tuesday. According to his lawyer, his employer, the Eurosports channel, did not want to release him. A response which surprised both the president of the court and the King’s prosecutor. (With Belga)
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