A Norwegian police officer’s tackle on a spectator at Wednesday’s WC match in Bergen received worldwide attention.

NBC Sports And Eurosport Spain is one of the media that discusses the video. French website Orange praising cash tackle:

“There are still some people who don’t understand how dangerous it is to run with riders, and this is constantly being cracked down on. While the WC was taking place in Bergen, the police arrested someone who was chasing Tony Martin”.

Police: – Done as gently as possible

As reigning world champion Tony Martin struggled up the steep climb to Fløyen, a spectator ran up from behind.

It’s not unusual to see enthusiastic cycling fans running alongside riders and cheering them on as they climb mountains, for example in the Tour de France, but police officers in Bergen are taking no chances.

-​ From the police side, this was an appropriate, strong and excellent intervention from the officers. There had been several near misses before, so they decided that if it happened again, they would have to intervene. Here there is a short distance between the MC and the person. Taking the person out may seem a bit brutal, but it is done as gently as possible, said Ole Bjørn Sveen, assistant chief of staff at Bergen police.

Since the observer is only a few feet away from Martin, the law’s long arms – or in this case broad shoulders – act as a cash cow, and those shoulders push the person into the fence.

“The official came from the side and performed a shoulder tackle on an approaching spectator that even an American football player would have been impressed by” he wrote. TV2 Denmark.

Sveen pointed out that seconds earlier they had pulled other spectators aside, and the handling would vary from one situation to another.

– The risk lies in the proximity between spectators, drivers and TV cameras. There were several episodes where some viewers came into contact with the MC. “So (the tackle) was to avoid the audience coming into contact with the MC who was right behind him,” said Sveen.

“Tough Police”

Also a New Zealand site Things comparing the event to sports based more on body contact than cycling.

“Police officers along the World Cup track in Norway should probably be on the rugby pitch.”

“A tough police officer shows that he is in perfect condition when rowdy people get too close,” he wrote Sport News.

Germany’s Martin seemed unfazed by what was happening behind him, but ultimately finished only ninth.

Tom Dumoulin of the Netherlands secured WC gold, Primoz Roglic of Slovenia surprised and took silver, while pre-favourite Chris Froome had to settle for bronze. Edvald Boasson Hagen finally finished in 17th position.

Thursday is a cycling toilet rest day. Competition continues on Friday with a joint start for the junior girls and U23 boys.