[Update] Merksplas organization tells story: Responses are human ‘

The organization of the Superprestigecross in Merksplas decided, after a closer look, to cancel the race due to storm Ciara. That is announced via Twitter.

Previously, only the times of the competitions for men and women were moved, but after extensive consultation with the various security services in the region, the organization nevertheless reached this decision. Because the safety of both riders and supporters could no longer be fully guaranteed, it was decided to cancel the race. On social media you can read that the newcomers had started their race, but that the race was stopped by the organization.

Ciara is expected to cause considerable problems in both the Netherlands and Belgium. The KNMI issues code orange in the Netherlands in the afternoon. Heavy gusts of wind are expected, which can run up to 140 kilometers per hour.

Update – 9 February 2020 (4.38 p.m.): Federal President resists criticism of cancellation

Marc Van Gestel, organizer of the cross in Merksplas, has criticized the decision of the Belgian cycling association and in particular that of chairman Tom Van Damme to cancel his race. The newspapaer notes: “He was not present himself, how can he judge it was too dangerous?”

Van Damme also speaks in the same medium: ‘This is not a point of view of myself, but of the entire Belgian cycling association. For us, the safety of the riders and the spectators is paramount. After all, if something happens, we will be looked at. ” Van Damme states that he has been in contact with the police and fire brigade: ‘They unanimously agreed that it was too dangerous. When I look at what events have been canceled, I don’t think our decision was exceptional. It is a pity for the game, but this is a case of force majeure. “

Update II – February 10, 2020 (8.48 a.m.): “Huge loss threatens organization”

The newspapaer reports that the organization of the cross in Merksplas could be severely affected by the cancellation of the race. Although the competition is part of the Flanders Classics umbrella organization as part of the Superprestige, the sale of tickets and VIP tents is charged to the local organization. According to the medium’s estimate, this results in a loss of 100,000 euros. The future of the competition, which was only in its first edition, is therefore uncertain.

Update III – (February 10, 2020 (12.20 pm): “Organizer responds in open letter”

Marc Van Gestel, organizer of the cross in Merksplas, responded in an open letter to the numerous negative reactions he received via social media about his approach to the cancellation. In this he tries to clarify about decisions made by the organization: “We did not believe that the soup is eaten so hot, as it is served and because there were predictions that the real storm would come later.”

For that reason, Van Gestel waited until Sunday to make a final decision about how to continue the competition. It was for him, and the countless volunteers of the cross, a ‘high day’: ‘You understand that this entails great disappointment. That the competition was not allowed to continue was nevertheless a wise decision. “

Furthermore, Van Gestel wants to point out to the people that hardly any profit is made on the cross. With this he hopes the sounds that he let the competition go ahead for the money. He understands that those reactions were there, but does not blame the people behind them. He does, however, hope that the entire situation will not take its toll on the next edition: “We assume that this setback will not upset us to be able to organize the competition again on 21 November at the unique location that is Merksplas.”

Read the full open letter at Het Nieuwsblad.

(Photo: ProShots)

–