We are all eagerly looking forward to next Sunday, when a new edition of De Ronde van Vlaanderen is on the programme. Everyone mainly expects a battle between Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, as we got one last Friday in the E3 Saxo Classic.
Abuses
There it was the Dutchman who took the measure of his eternal rival after a very exciting race. But there were also some dangerous moments. For example, when both gentlemen passed through the Oude Kwaremont, we saw that people were simply standing on the street and on the central reservation. That could have gone terribly wrong.
Philippe Willequet, mayor of Kluisbergen, is also sounding the alarm. “It can’t be like this anymore,” said Het Nieuwsblad. “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 move up on the Paterberg because the audience remained standing.”
Without giving drama
Next Sunday we will have closing gates at those decisive moments, something that will also have to be mandatory in E3, Willequet thinks. “Next year the organization will have to provide fences at crucial locations. The riders must have free passage.”
Because he also realizes that some dramas have been avoided here. “Their safety was compromised 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 conversation, we don’t want to see the conditions of last Friday again.”
🚴🇧🇪 | What is all this!? Van der Poel is angry with the audience, the organization, who? The world champion is not happy! 🤬 #E3SaxoClassic
📺 You can watch the race live on discovery+ pic.twitter.com/qhT7mw35Z2
— Eurosport Netherlands (@Eurosport_NL) March 22, 2024
