Mathieu van der Poel abandons World Championships following overnight arrest around hotel incident

Mathieu van der Poel retired from the UCI Road World Championships elite men’s road race following an overnight arrest after reportedly being disturbed by a group of teenagers outside his hotel room. The Dutch favourite began the race on Sunday morning, but abandoned his pursuit of victory after about 25 kilometers of racing. Ad Van der Poel's preparations for the biggest single-day event on the cycling calendar were hugely disrupted by his overnight incident.

The Dutch star was arrested and charged with common assault by Sydney police, not returning to his hotel room until 4am. World ChampionshipsRider ratings: Five-star Van Aert hoping for no rogue EvenepoelYESTERDAY AT 13:49 The affair occurred on Saturday evening, when two teenage girls allegedly repeatedly knocked on Van der Poel's door. Van der Poel recounted the events to Belgian outlet Sporza.

He said: «There was a small dispute. It was about noisy neighbours and they are quite strict here. I went to bed early and many children in the hallway of my room found it necessary to knock on the door continuously.

After a few times I was done with it. I didn't ask so nicely to stop. Then the police were called and I was taken.» What followed is less clear, but New South Wales police released a statement in an attempt to clarify things.

The statement reads: «It’s further alleged the man then pushed both teenagers, with one falling to the ground and the other being pushed into a wall, causing a minor graze to her elbow. Hotel management were notified of the incident, who then called police. Officers from St George police area command attended and arrested a 27-year-old man shortly after.” The incident occurred at around 10.30pm.