In the Dutch port city of Terneuzen, no starting shot will sound for the Scheldeprijs on 14 October. Mayor Jan Lonink has decided that now that the Netherlands is tackling the corona pandemic more strictly.
The mayor does not think he will comply with the stricter measures, including banning the public. “After the 2 previous successful editions of the Scheldeprijs with the start in Terneuzen, it is extremely unfortunate that the cycling race cannot start from Terneuzen this time”, says Lonink.
“However, given the corona measures, it is now not possible to continue the start here,” says Lonink.
Flanders Classics has plan B.
The 108th edition of the Scheldeprijs was initially scheduled for April 8, but was postponed to the autumn due to the corona crisis. The organization is in the hands of Flanders Classics. CEO Tomas Van den Spiegel said yesterday that he had “a plan B” if the semi-classic could not continue on Dutch soil.
It therefore looks like the Scheldeprijs will be fully driven in our country again. In the past, the start took place in Schoten, Antwerp or even in Mol (when Tom Boonen retired). The finish has been on the Churchilllaan in Schoten for many years.
The last 2 editions of the Scheldeprijs were won by the Dutchman Fabio Jakobsen, who crashed hard in the Tour of Poland in early August. Tom Boonen is the last Belgian winner in 2006.
