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]
Guess where Brad Huff slept last night? 100 feet away from the where this picture was taken.#blessed #Brussels https://t.co/1LbWorLOlZ
— Brad Huff (@huffyusa) March 22, 2016
Our thoughts are with victims of Brussels attacks…….
— Team Wanty-Gobert (@TeamWantyGobert) March 22, 2016
All my thoughts go to Belgium esp. Brussels-can't get it why people do this to others-we want peace in the world and no war!
— Andre Greipel (@AndreGreipel) March 22, 2016
This is ridiculous this shit. An airport frequented by cyclists. Incl today before the race tomorrow. Thoughts to the victims and families.
— SamBewley (@SamBewley) March 22, 2016
It's on days like today you remember cycling is just sport and entertainment.
— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) March 22, 2016
Triste monde. Grosses pensées à nos amis belges. ?
Restons solidaires et redonnons du sens à l'Humanité …— Jeremy Roy (@jeremyroy) March 22, 2016
No words. Love Belgium.
— Stefan Wyman (@ds_stef) March 22, 2016
Belgium is synonymous with the sport we love. Our hearts are with those most impacted by today's tragedy.
— Cannondale Pro Team (@Ride_Argyle) March 22, 2016
SPEECHLESS!!!
— Marcel Sieberg (@MarcelSieberg) March 22, 2016
Our thoughts are with the people in Brussels and Belgium in these difficult moments.
— Etixx – Quick-Step (@Etixx_QuickStep) March 22, 2016
Now My thoughts go out to all persons concerned in Brussels.
It would be nice to have more love, peace and respect! ?— Daniele Bennati (@Benna80) March 22, 2016
Proper fucked up news coming out of Belgium, we're thinking about you. One of my favorite countries. #Brussels
— Dave Everett (@ShoddyCycling) March 22, 2016
— Rolland Pierre (@PierroooRolland) March 22, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected and the families of the victims following the Brussels attacks this morning.
— Team Giant-Alpecin (@GiantAlpecin) March 22, 2016
Bone chilling stuff reading about the attacks in Belgium. Thoughts are with all of those affected!
— Tiffany Jane (@tiffanycromwell) March 22, 2016
Sadly, unbelievable is not unbelievable anymore. #Brussels Thoughts to all affected.
— Koos Moerenhout (@kmoerenhout) March 22, 2016
No words to express the sadness.
?? #Belgium, #TeamIAM ?? you. ??#StayStrong
— ? Team IAM Cycling (@IAM_Cycling) March 22, 2016
I feel for our dear friends in #Belgium Our thoughts are with the families of the victims #Brussels
— Brian Cookson OBE (@BrianCooksonUCI) March 22, 2016
— Stuart O'Grady (@StueyOG) March 22, 2016
#DDV organisers just announced that tomorrow's race will go ahead.
— Etixx – Quick-Step (@Etixx_QuickStep) March 22, 2016
Black armbands for our riders and a black flag at the team car in respect of Brussels victims. #VoltaCatalunya pic.twitter.com/jryOTaJylx
— Etixx – Quick-Step (@Etixx_QuickStep) March 22, 2016