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Timeline coronavirus Belgium: After weekend perhaps final decision on Ronde

While the virus has been raging in Italy for weeks, other countries have long been outcast. Nevertheless, the coronavirus seems to be catching on all over Europe, including Belgium. In this timeline we keep track of what is said, written and decided about the cycling races in Belgium.

07-03: Van Avermaet expresses fear

Greg Van Avermaet was one of the first riders to dare on Saturday 7 March: what will happen with the Flemish spring? The CCC Team Belgian saw the Italian spring be canceled and his team withdrew from Paris-Nice. ‘It would be painful if the Flemish rates do not continue. You have to take it into account. Everything is possible at the moment, but it would be a minor disaster for me, ‘he said.

In Belgium, the news about the corona virus got underway on the weekend of 7 and 8 March. For example, seven infections were reported in Wevelgem, and of course the organizations of the Flemish races were asked about the situation. “The situation changes every day. Today we do not yet have an emergency scenario. But we owe it to ourselves to take this into account, ‘said Flanders Classics.

11-03: First measures in Belgium announced

The first clear measures for the Flemish spring came out on Wednesday 11 March. At that time, people simply assumed that the prices would continue. VIP tents, hygiene points, places without an audience; everything was taken out of the closet. The various organizations already spoke about the major consequences if the classics were to end.

The tone was already more serious at Flanders Classics: ‘It is difficult to estimate what will happen. But we cannot help but cancel cancellations. This would have major economic consequences. “

12-03: Belgium intervenes and closes until April 3

Belgium intervened considerably on Thursday. Flemish Minister of Sport Ben Weyts confirmed on Thursday The last news in the afternoon that all events in Belgium, indoor and outdoor, until March 31 were canceled. For a long time this was only about regional events, but late at night the government got over it: the corona virus prohibited all events (large and small) until April 3; also cycling and football.

This means that Belgium will be locked until April 3. Even cafes and restaurants are closed. It also means that the cycling calendar can be crossed by Nokere Koerse (for men and women), Bredene Koksijde Classic, Driedaagse Brugge-De Panne, the E3 BinckBank Classic, Gent-Wevelgem and Dwars door Vlaanderen.

Nokere Koerse wanted to do everything on Thursday to let the game continue on March 18. Separate zones were set up, ceremonies were to be modified, and disinfection facilities for the public, it said Sporza. Flanders Classics had already intervened. All recreational trips of the Flemish classics were canceled. These included Ghent-Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Scheldeprijs. Thousands of people flock to these cycles every year.

13-03: Tour of Flanders fears

On Friday morning, the Belgian sports newspapers were logically only about the corona virus and the lockdown of Belgium until April 3. Flemish Minister of Sport Ben Weyts has The Gazet of Antwerp even arguing that the country’s measures could take longer. This would also jeopardize the Tour of Flanders on April 5. “I don’t see that going well, I don’t think it will be possible. Of course we continuously evaluate, but I think that organizer Flanders Classics needs clarity as soon as possible, and we want to provide them as soon as possible. ‘

The canceled games from Belgium in March have already been met with disappointment. People spoke at the E3 BinckBank Classic The last news already about possible bankruptcies in cycling. “This is going to affect many more agencies than just us, organizers. Hotels, cafes, restaurants that do gold business during that period. Sponsors who have committed themselves and are now seeing a lot of publicity and visibility go up in smoke. “Worst case,” I even fear bankruptcies, “said E3 organizer Jacques Coussens.

In The newspapaer Nokere Curonian organizer Marc van Cauwenberghe also explained why races have not decided to cancel their games. “I couldn’t decide to throw the towel myself. Then I would have to pay the starting fees of the cycling teams – in our case around 125,000 euros – myself. When the government decides that the course should not go forward, we will be laundered for the UCI from paying those starting fees. ‘

14-03 Flanders Classics and Ministry of Sports count on cancellation of the Ronde

On the Belgian Radio 1 Sports Minister Ben Weyts has once again commented on whether or not to ride the Tour of Flanders. “There is still a miniscule chance, but if I’m honest I don’t think it’s feasible. A whole pack from all over the world, a few days after April 3. We also have to take our responsibility. ”

Tomas van den Spiegel, spokesperson for Flanders Classics, says that The newspapaer to understand. Of course that was to be expected. You cannot impose measures until April 3 and then organize the largest folk festival in Flanders on April 5. This seems irreversible and we need to understand that. ” In the same Newspaper Van den Spiegel later added that the decision is not theirs. “It is up to the authorities. Maybe there will be a definite answer after the weekend, but now things are more important than cycling. ‘ (Photo: Sirotti, 2019)

To be continued…

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