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Cycling Association: “Rather limiting drink consumption than limiting the number of spectators when cyclo-cross” | Cyclocross

Minister of the Interior Annelies Verlinden opened the door for sports competitions with the public. For that we have to wait for a new consultation committee, but the hope for a BK cyclo-cross with spectators is there.

“A little hope remains and if that hope does not come through, then we are ready to go to the Council of State and enforce it publicly,” says Jean-Marie Dedecker, mayor of Middelkerke, where the Belgian Championship cyclo-cross will take place. .

“It is completely illogical that you almost need your shoehorn to get to the Meir in Antwerp, but in the fresh air of the dunes and the beach, a few thousand people are not allowed to gather to watch the cross.”

We hear the same sound at the Belgian Cycling Federation. “I am hopeful. There is a will to at least look at the situation of cyclo-cross”, says chairman Tom Van Damme.

“As an outdoor sport and with the safety measures that we provide and the discipline that the organizers impose on themselves, we must be able to organize in a safe way. As far as I am concerned, that can be done immediately, but it will probably be earlier for next week.”

Van Damme himself launched the idea of ​​limiting spectators to 5,000. “That is a proposal, but for me it can be much more on a large site such as at the BK in Middelkerke.”

“It could be considered, for example, to limit drinking. I would rather go down that road than limit the number of spectators.”

Last week the BK cyclo-cross in Middelkerke (8-9 January) was still on the slope, then it can continue without an audience. Can it now be switched back to receive spectators?

“I am in contact with organizer Golazo,” says Dedecker. “We have to see if everything is still possible, but if we can mobilize from Monday, then we can still go for it. If we get the chance, we will do everything we can to organize such a beautiful Belgian Championship in the dunes as it should be.”

With or without spectators, the BC will certainly take place, Dedecker confirms once again. “I have an agreement with the Belgian Cycling Federation. If the public can come now, we will review the compensation.”

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