For many people, Belgium is synonymous with cycling. Sadly, in recent months, it has also become synonymous with terrorist activity in Europe.
The suspected terrorist attacks in Brussels on Tuesday morning is latest in a spate of incidents across the continent. While cycling races are of relative insignificance in the aftermath of such attacks, organisers of Dwars door Vlaanderen confirmed that the race is set to go ahead on Wednesday.
And with a number of professional teams and riders based in Belgium, the world of cycling came together on Twitter to show solidarity in face of the attacks and sending their support to the country.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the terrible events in Belgium. Today we ride in solidarity with a great cycling nation.
— Team Sky 🚲 (@TeamSky) March 22, 2016
As an American team with our European base in Belgium, our thoughts are with all of Belgium in the wake of this morning's attacks.
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) March 22, 2016
BMC‘s Belgian riders at the Volta a Catalunya, Philippe Gilbert and Ben Hermans, wore black armbands on stage two.
Our two Belgian riders at #VoltaCatalunya @PhilippeGilbert and @hermansben are sporting a black armband today pic.twitter.com/GworknLxd9
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) March 22, 2016
Our thoughts are with the people in Brussels and Belgium in these difficult moments.
— Quick-Step Cycling (@quickstepteam) March 22, 2016
I feel aggression against those people but more sadness for the victims. The society will never be the same anymore.
— Patrick Lefevere (@PatLefevere) March 22, 2016
My thoughts are with everyone affected in Brussels.What a world this has become. #staystrongbelgium pic.twitter.com/ojN8TKPjh8
— Fabian cancellara (@f_cancellara) March 22, 2016
Belgium is synonymous with the sport we love. Our hearts are with those most impacted by today's tragedy.
— Cannondale-Drapac (@Ride_Argyle) March 22, 2016
A sad day to wake up in Belgium. #PrayForBelgium
— Dani King (@DaniKing1) March 22, 2016
Desde la @VoltaCatalunya todo mi apoyo y solidaridad con las victimas de Bruselas.All my support and solidarity with victims in Brussels.
— Alberto Contador (@albertocontador) 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
My thoughts are with everyone affected in Brussels! What a world this has become! We need more love, peace, respect and tolerance!
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) March 22, 2016
Riders trying to get to Belgium for this week’s races, which includes E3 Harelbeke and Ghent-Wevelgem over the Easter weekend, have been forced to divert to other airports, while the organiser of Dwars door Vlaanderen said some teams may be short of riders on Wednesday if they can’t get to the race.
