“No reason for panic” – Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen not in jeopardy despite raised threat level

The Belgian cycling event Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen will see heightened security measures this year after the recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the Vuelta a España the past weeks, which forced to cancel the last stage and neutralize two others.

Authorities of Ardooie, the city around which the race takes place, have raised the threat level for the sprint-focused race to level 2, according to the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (OCAD).

“For all clarity: there is no reason for panic,” Ardooie Mayor Véronique Buyck said to Nieuwsblad. “It is a matter of increased vigilance, but there are no indications of protests. After a risk analysis with the police, we decided to deploy a drone to monitor the course. This is not unusual, it happens during various events. Along the route, we will also have additional police presence.”

“It is a logical step following OCAD’s decision," she continued. "As a municipality, we need to pay extra attention. We are prepared but therefore do not expect problems. Above all, we expect a large, sporty, and summery public celebration. Many supporters will come to Koolskamp, and the local residents themselves will enjoy their annual cycling highlight.”

Scheduled for Friday, September 19, the 109th edition of the Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen is known alongside the Scheldeprijs as an unofficial “world championship for sprinters,” so the startlist is packed with the best sprinters in the world.

Max Kanter, Gleb Syritsa, Dylan Groenewegen, Luka Mezgec, Max Walscheid, Tomas Kopecky, Arvid De Kleijn, Phil Bauhaus, Alberto Bruttomesso, Soren Waerenskjold, Itamar Einhorn, Riley Pickrell, Emils Liepins, Matteo Moschetti, Giacomo Nizzolo, Jonathan Milan, Mathias Vacek, Simon Dehairs, Jenson Plowright, Sasha Weemaes, Timothy Dupont, Gerben Thijssen, Jordi Meeus, Danny van Poppel, Fabio Jakobsen, Casper van Uden, Elia Viviani, Olav Kooij, Tim Merlier, Milan Fretin and Luca Mozzato are some of the main names that will be present at the starting line, promising an exciting show in Belgian soil.