'When I decided to cycle away, they started attacking me' – pro cyclist knocked out by teenagers on training ride

Tudor Pro Cycling sprinter Arvid de Kleijn was violently attacked by a group of teenagers during a training ride in early April, resulting in him being knocked unconscious and sustaining a broken nose. The Dutch rider revealed that the group, believed to be aged between 15 and 17, verbally abused him with references to cancer, a sensitive subject as his father had recently passed away from the disease. When de Kleijn attempted to confront the youths, the situation escalated, culminating in one assailant striking him from behind while riding a fatbike. De Kleijn described the attackers as likely intoxicated and unapproachable, stating that trying to reason with them was futile. After the assault, bystanders assisted him to his feet, but the incident left the 32-year-old shaken and disheartened by the apparent decline in respect among younger generations. Law enforcement detained nine members of the group, though the individual responsible for the knockout blow remains at large. De Kleijn expressed relief that the authorities are pursuing the matter, despite the legal process expected to be lengthy. The attack occurred as de Kleijn was preparing for his season debut at the Scheldeprijs, following a challenging period that included supporting his family and recovering from a severe collarbone fracture sustained at the UAE Tour in February. Despite these setbacks, he returned to competition four months later and secured two stage wins at the Tour de Langkawi in October, marking his only victories in 2025. His career highlights include a stage win at Paris-Nice in 2024 and triumph at the 2023 Milano-Torino. Looking ahead, de Kleijn is scheduled to race at the German one-day event Rund um Köln on 17 May. The incident underscores the risks professional cyclists can face even during routine training rides and raises broader concerns about the safety and respect afforded to athletes on public roads. De Kleijn’s resilience and determination to continue competing despite adversity remain a testament to his professionalism and passion for the sport.