{"id":503292,"date":"2026-02-25T14:17:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T14:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/503292\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T14:17:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T14:17:12","slug":"respect-the-race-campaign-calls-on-cycling-fans-to-show-support-responsibly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/503292\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Respect the race’ campaign calls on cycling fans to show support responsibly"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Belgian Cycling has launched an awareness campaign to call on supporters to respect cyclists during road races. <\/p>\n

According to Massimo Van Lancker, director of sport at Belgian Cycling, cycling is one of the most accessible sports, which is both an asset and a challenge. \u201cAs a supporter, you are literally a few metres from the champions. This accessibility is a huge asset of our sport, but it also requires responsibility,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The boundaries of respect are sometimes crossed by supporters, he says. \u201cThis affects not only the riders, but also the image and future of cycling itself. Cycling should be a celebration for everyone: supporters are allowed to show passion and encourage their favourite, but never at the expense of others.\u201d<\/p>\n

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In the #respecttherace campaign, launched at the start of the new cycling season, the organisers address supporters directly. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if it was your son or daughter riding? Would you also throw beer? Would you consider it normal for someone to boo your child?\u201d Van Lancker: \u201cBehind every helmet is a human being with family, friends and supporters who are proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Supporters are allowed to show passion and encourage their favourite, but never at the expense of others”<\/p>\n

The campaign is an initiative of Belgian Cycling<\/a>, supported by Cycling Vlaanderen and Wallonie-Bruxelles Cycling. It features a video with cyclists Alana Castrique and Fabio Van den Bossche.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel has confirmed that he will take part in Saturday\u2019s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the one-day road race starting in Ghent that traditionally kicks off the season. He will also race in Milan-Sanremo, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAfter a few weeks of focused preparation, he now feels race-ready and confident to appear at the start of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the opening race in Belgium,\u201d his team, Alpecin-Premier Tech, said. <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter Sanremo, the focus shifts completely to the cobbled classics. The E3 Saxo Classic and In Flanders Fields form the final run-up to the Tour of Flanders, the second monument of the spring.\u201d<\/p>\n

This will be Van der Poel\u2019s debut in the Omloop. <\/p>\n

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#FlandersNewsService | Cycling fans pictured on the Muur of Geraardsbergen during the men’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad from Gent to Ninove, 1 March 2025 \u00a9 BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS<\/p>\n

Related news<\/p>\n

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