If you were watching the Tour of Flanders, you might have noticed it–a bunch of riders went across a level crossing when the light was red. Now, it sounds like Belgian prosecutors are considering whether to bring charges against the riders, according to VRT.
The incident came as the race passed through Wichelen. A split in the peloton saw one group ride across the tracks after the warning lights had already turned red. Those behind were forced to stop.
Among those in the front group were race favourites including eventual winner Tadej Pogačar and third-placed Remco Evenepoel.
Driving bans?
The East Flanders public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation. They say they will work to identify the riders involved before deciding who faces prosecution.
Running a red light at a level crossing is considered a serious traffic offence in Belgium. It’s typically handled in police court, with fines and potential driving bans on the table. The UCI hasn’t weighed in–although both Evenepoel and Pogi did get some fines, for something else.
Clearly neither of them will be DQed–it would have happened right after, or during the race.
Pogačar said the situation was poorly handled, suggesting organisers should have stopped the race earlier rather than reacting at the last moment, which left riders confused and split the peloton at the crossing. He said that some of them were confused and thought it might have been a protest–something we’ve seen plenty of recently in pro racing.
Rail operator weighs in
However, rail operator Infrabel was quick to condemn the move. “The rules are clear: when the lights are red, you must stop,” spokesperson Frédéric Petit said, stressing that the same standards apply during a race. He added that the situation “is of course not a good example,” particularly given the risks at level crossings.
Chaos in Flanders as a train splits the bunch in two 😮
The break carry on unhindered and make more work for UAE Team Emirates 😩 pic.twitter.com/AG8gQtmIEi
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) April 5, 2026
There is still uncertainty over why no precautionary halt to train traffic was requested at that moment. this can sometimes happen with police and race orgs.
At races, organizers try to coordinate the rail schedules to prevent this kind of thing. But it is hardly an exact science. Winds or the race sitch itself can screw that up, fast.
The incident had little bearing on the outcome, with Pogačar going on to take a third win. The world champion broke clear with Mathieu van der Poel and Evenepoel, and would ultimately solo to a magnificent win.
As VRT’s commentators put it, it was a case of “the luck of the herd” — suggesting that had only a handful of riders crossed, they likely would have been pulled from the race.
But with such a large amount of cyclists–including Pogačar himself, that didn’t happen. It has happened a few times to some notable riders. Both Peter van Petegem and Taylor Phinney were DQed at Paris-Roubaix and The Tour of Britain, respectively.