"The organization will have to provide fences at crucial locations next year" - Mayor of Kluisbergen reacts to increasing amount of incidents between spectators and riders

It has actually been a theme for years, but every time an incident has occurred, the discussion about the safety of riders is restarted. Last week there was a hit in the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent Wevelgem, where incidents took place with Mathieu van der Poel and Lotte Kopecky. Conclusion: the public gets too close in many places, but what will be the solution?

Mayor of Kluisbergen (where some Belgian spring races pass through), Philippe Willequet is crystal clear in Het Nieuwsblad. There was hardly any room for riders on the Paterberg and the Oude Kwaremont last Friday. "It can't be like this anymore. This is reminiscent of the Tour of Flanders, but 20 years ago. Completely occupy the road and only open it at the last minute. The riders could not advance on the Paterberg because the audience remained standing. The organization will have to provide fences at crucial locations next year."

Measures appear to be necessary not only for the riders, but also for bystanders. Cooperation between courses and municipalities is necessary, Willequet thinks. "The riders must have free passage. Their safety was at risk this year and that is really unacceptable. It is also better for the supporters themselves. What if someone trips while pulling out of the way when a car is approaching. Or someone will make the leaders fall. We are going to invite the organizers for a meeting, we don't want to see the situations of last Friday again."