Dwars Door Vlaanderen organisers say races will continue despite Brussels terror attacks

by Shane Stokes


The cycling world has been chilled by the news of two major terrorist attacks in Brussels on Tuesday morning, not least because teams have been travelling in advance of the Dwars door Vlaanderen event on Wednesday.

Early reports state up to 28 people have been killed in bomb attacks on Brussels airport and the Maalbeek metro station, with many more people injured.

Although the country has been placed on a level four security alert, which could prevent sporting events from taking place, the organisers of the Dwars door Vlaanderen have announced that the men and women’s events are scheduled to continue.

The organisers met at noon local time to discuss the situation. The Flanders Classics company then issued a brief statement.

“For the moment, Dwars door Vlaanderen will take place tomorrow, despite the terrorist attacks that took place in Brussels on Tuesday morning. The organisers mourn with the victims of these terrible attacks. More information in due time.”

Flanders Classics also organiser Gent-Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders and Scheldeprijs, which are due to take place later this month. It is unclear whether these events are endangered.

Extra security measures had previously been announced for the Tour of Flanders, with backpacks carried by spectators to be banned.

Final confirmation about the running of the Dwars door Vlaanderen is likely to be made at a later point. Public transport in Brussels has been shut down, including the affected airport, and the border between France and Belgium has been closed. This will complicate travel arrangements for many of the teams due to take part.

However at this point in time the Brussels South Charleroi airport remains open.

More information will follow when available.

[Update: click here to read follow-up story]

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#2016 Dwars door Vlaanderen

by Shane Stokes


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