More than a million spectators are expected along the route of the Tour of Flanders on Sunday. To minimise the risks, the organisers are advising spectators to spread out and avoid the most popular spots, they said at a press conference on Tuesday.
The Tour of Flanders is the most popular cycling race in Belgium. More than a million spectators are expected along the route on Sunday due to good weather forecasts, said Carina Van Cauter, governor of East Flanders, during a press conference.
Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of organisers Flanders Classics, said that the Tour of Flanders has “almost become a victim of its own success”. To avoid problems, he advises spectators to plan ahead and choose less popular spots along the route that will be less crowded.
“Don’t decide at the last minute on Sunday to get in the car and drive unprepared to the (Oude) Kwaremont (one of the most famous climbs in Flanders),” warned Van Den Spiegel. “It hasn’t worked for years, you’ll get stuck”.
Live crowd control
To prevent problems, the organisers will for the first time use live telecom data to control the crowds. This will allow them to intervene immediately in places that become too busy, such as at the foot of the Oude Kwaremont. People can be redirected to quieter places, or if it really gets too crowded, a location can be closed off completely.
Large crowds can pose a risk, says Van Cauter. But she insists that a solid security plan is in place. “You never know what might happen, but we are prepared. Everyone knows exactly what to do if something goes wrong.”
