Cyclist sets off firestorm with crude comment on reporter’s outfit

Belgian journalist and former pro cyclist Sven Spoormakers posted a screengrab on Twitter that has caused outrage on social media after making a crude comment referring to a young female reporter covering the Vuelta a San Juan.

Spoormakers made reference to the reporter’s low cut top after taking a screenshot of her interviewing one of the riders for television, asking in Dutch: “Is it cool in Argentina?”

And it lead to numerous fans and pundits condemning him for allegedly sexually objectifying the young reporter.

Australian journalist Sophie Smith challenged Spoormakers on his remark, writing: “Seriously? Please tell me this is lost in translation and you did not just publicly objectify a young female reporter.

“Speaking from experience, let me say she does the exact same job as you but has to work and withstand twice as much still because of bulls–t like this.”

Spoormakers then responded: “Objectify, really? Come on. Don’t draw the feminist card on this one. She knows exactly what she’s wearing – or not wearing – and why.

“If I would interview a female athlete with my balls out, you’d be joking about it too. Or calling it a disgrace.”

Smith then incredulously hit back: “So it’s her fault because you can’t stop looking at her boobs? What’s she meant to do, wear a potato sack so you don’t get excited? If I take a picture of you at work, post it and comment on how small your d–k looks in a pair of shorts would you be alright with that?”

British reporter Ned Boulting then weighed in to lend his support, quoting one of Smith’s tweets and writing: “Over and over and over again, my female colleagues have to defend themselves from institutional disrespect. I take your voice, Sophie, and I add mine.”

Spoormakers’ tweets were also latched upon by frustrated fans, with one writing: “Mate, she’s wearing a top. That’s it. What’s the problem? Jesus Christ you’re a dinosaur.”

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