Tour of Flanders spectators face backpack ban amid security fears
With Belgium at terror alert level three, organisers at the Tour of Flanders are increasing security at their event, including banning backpacks and coolers
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Are you heading out to Belgium to watch the Tour of Flanders on April 3? If so, you might have to leave your backpacks at home as organisers are increasing security.
With Belgium at terror alert level three, and with police involved in an armed conflict with suspected terrorists in the capital Brussels on Tuesday, security is being stepped up at the Flanders race.
According to Joost Duhamel, head of police in the Flemish Ardennes area of East Flanders, backpacks will not be allowed in 'secure areas' along the route, which are located at key points along the route the Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg, the Kruisberg, the Koppenberg and the finish in Oudenaarde.
The police chief said, quoted on Sporza: “Leave your backpacks at home because you will not get into the secure zones with one; this is a measure intended to increase public safety.”
There is concern that cycling's accessibility for fans could make it a target for terrorists. In April 2015, German race Eschborn-Frankfurt was cancelled after bomb-making materials were found in a house near the route.
So if you're heading to one of the secure areas on April 3, you'll have to shell out for food at the catering facilities on offer at the event.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
Boardman SLR 8.6 review - great value but the frame outclasses the components
An affordable and dependable workhorse
By Andy Turner • Published
-
‘It’s not complicated, I can either follow or I can’t’ - Tom Pidcock on his Tour of Flanders chances
Strade Bianche winner believes that his performance on Sunday won't be hampered by recent lack of racing time
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Biniam Girmay eyes Tour of Flanders and Tour de France success in 2023
After becoming first African rider to win Gent-Wevelgem, Girmay plans to take aim at the Tour of Flanders and other monuments next year
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tour of Flanders Espoirs cancelled indefinitely
The race's date, location and lack of young riders are all factors in the organiser's decision
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
No fans at Tour of Flanders and other Classics in 2021, according to organisers
There will be no fans at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Ghent-Wevelgem, Dwars Door Vlaanderen, Scheldeprijs or Brabantse Pijl in 2021
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
How watching 25 years of Tour of Flanders footage is helping scientists study climate change
It might sound like an excuse to watch some bike racing, but scientists are using footage of the Tour of Flanders to help them study climate change.
By Henry Robertshaw • Published
-
Peter Sagan: 'If the other riders don't wake up, it's going to be like this'
"It's not just me that they need to beat" Peter Sagan said of his rivals after Quick-Step Floors dominated the Tour of Flanders
By Gregor Brown • Published
-
Five things we learned from the 2018 Tour of Flanders
We take a look at the main talking points from the 2018 edition of the Tour of Flanders
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
Niki Terpstra leaves rivals reeling with amazing Tour of Flanders solo win
Dutchman Niki Terpstra adds a Tour of Flanders victory to his 2018 E3 Harelbeke win and 2014 Paris-Roubaix title after a trademark long-range solo attack
By Nigel Wynn • Published
-
Luke Rowe disqualified from Tour of Flanders: 'I'm just gutted'
Team Sky Welshman Luke Rowe reportedly rode onto bike path in among spectators during the Tour of Flanders
By Nigel Wynn • Published