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Video: Thomas Voeckler returns Dutch fans' abuse — with interest

Europcar rider stops mid-climb to dish it back

It’s not unusual for professional cyclists to get abuse – Chris Froome was spat at repeatedly on his way to winning the Tour de France last year – but what is a bit more out of the ordinary is for them to stop and give some back.

We’re not quite sure what it is that cycling fans from the Netherlands have against Europcar’s Thomas Voeckler – in 2011, on the day he lost the yellow jersey at the Tour, he had a torrid time going through Dutch Corner on Alpe d’Huez – but here he is on Friday’s Stage 13 to Chamrousse, giving it back with interest.

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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19 comments

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notfastenough | 9 years ago
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Tommy V is cool. I love it when he animates a race.

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Colin Peyresourde | 9 years ago
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Voeckler is pretty annoying. Though I like him in small part because he's upset the main contenders before. I find him wheedling in many ways.

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darrenleroy | 9 years ago
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What's wrong with him? Seriously, he's not that bad is he?

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sanderville | 9 years ago
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I thought he said "watch out for les velos" because the guy was leaning out too far into the road.

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andyp | 9 years ago
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'There's always one.'

There's many more than one. The guy's a cock.

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Metjas replied to andyp | 9 years ago
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andyp wrote:

The guy's a cock.

more of those on the roadside than on a bike.

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Shades | 9 years ago
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Energy bars at 30 paces!

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WolfieSmith | 9 years ago
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There's always one. Meanwhile back in Positive Land - Tommy is the business.

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HarrogateSpa | 9 years ago
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Alright, I'll be the one to break ranks. I can't stand Voeckler.

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jmaccelari | 9 years ago
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Ups to Thomas!

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ajmarshal1 | 9 years ago
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He says; "Have you ever ridden a bike?"

Go Tommy V. Legend.

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WashoutWheeler | 9 years ago
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Thomas Voeckler is an absolute legend!! I am glad he gave it to them no need for it.

I was riding back down from Les Planche des Belles filles last monday and saw some people waving and shouting, I looked left and saw it was Thomas cycling next to me, he gave me a grin and shot off down the road made my day complete!

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Nigel @bpmcoaching | 9 years ago
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Good for him, have some respect armchair critics, its not a football match.

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Metjas | 9 years ago
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anyone worked out a transcript yet of what was said?

I guess like in any sport, you have 'good' fans and 'not so good' fans!

I like Tommy.

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levermonkey | 9 years ago
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Not sure what the original comment was but it does sound like the Dutchman is saying "Sorry, Sorry!" after Voeckler challenges him.

Alsatian 1; Dutch 'Soft-cock' 0  19

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krlblack | 9 years ago
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He won the yellow on stage 9 after being in the break with Hoogerland when he crashed. Maybe the Dutch are resentful he never sat up? Flecha (who also crashed) has made comments about not being waited on before.

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dwbeever replied to krlblack | 9 years ago
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Yes, this is the source of some Dutch fans resentment. I think they are wholly wrong though - instead it would be fairer to see the Dutch target badly driven support/press vehicles....

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mlimburn | 9 years ago
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 41 on the you tube page it says he was upset about selfie takers, Go Tommy V.

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Jonny_Trousers | 9 years ago
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Pretty dull video, but Tommy V's a legend.

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