Belgian race organisers consider making fans pay to watch races
A poll of race organisers in Belgium has revealed that half would consider charging fans to watch races at the roadside, an unpopular move with the fans.

Fans wishing to catch a glimpse of their heroes in major Belgian races could soon have to pay for the privilege, with more than half of race organisers saying that it is inevitable that they will have to introduce fees to make ends meet.
The survey of 22 Belgian race organisers by the Het Nieuwsblad (opens in new tab) newspaper found that half thought that charging spectators will be inevitable in the long term.
The idea was especially popular among organisers of smaller races who are working with smaller budgets and are in a more precarious position with reliance on corporate sponsorship, VIPs, and subsidies for their income.
>>> 10 ways the pros modify their bikes for the cobbles
Flanders Classics, the organiser of the Tour of Flanders, Ghent-Wevelgem, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and a number of other races, and KWC Hand in Hand vzw, the organisers of E3 Harelbeke, were two of those to say that they would not charge fans to watch races.
Rob Discart, from Tour of Belgium and Eneco Tour organisers Golazo, said that "a major change of mentality will be needed. People are so used to the course being free."
>>> Spring Classics organisers introduce additional measures to reduce threat of terror attacks
That sentiment was echoed by Nick Nuyens, the former Tour of Flanders winner who is now organising the Dwars Door Het Hageland, who said that spectators should get used to other races following the example of Nokere-Koerse, a 1.HC race which charges fans €5 to watch the race in the final 30 kilometres.
"If I'm watching football with my children, everyone finds it normal that I have to pay €2.50. But if you want to see world class bike riders, it must be free. That's weird."
The paper is also running a poll of fan's on its website, with 69 per cent of respondents against any charge for fans, while 28 per cent would be in favour of charges on certain key parts of races.
Thank you for reading 5 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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
-
US Pro Nationals Preview: all you need to know about the battles for the Stars and Stripes in Tennessee
The best US cycling talent converge in Knoxville, Tennessee June 23-26, for the US Pro National TT, Criterium and Road Race Championships
By Clara Beard • Published
-
Lucinda Brand takes overall victory at Tour de Suisse Women with dramatic stage four win
Brand won the overall via a long-range attack on the final stage, whilst previous leader Kristen Faulkner crashed in the closing metres
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
From the cobbles to the race track: Tom Boonen is living his best life
Classic legend Tom Boonen on race car driving, Mathieu van der Poel and modern cycling
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar apologised to Dylan van Baarle after Tour of Flanders frustration
Video shows Slovenian angry at Dutchman following Sunday's sprint
By Adam Becket • Published
-
The day the crowds returned: From viking horns to the smell of beer at the Tour of Flanders
Crowds packed the start, the finish, and every key climb to catch a glimpse of the Ronde
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'I hope this will get a lot of young riders on their bikes' — Lotte Kopecky on her huge Tour of Flanders win
Belgian champion hopes to drive girls to cycling with victory
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Five talking points from the Tour of Flanders 2022
The key talking points from a thrilling day of racing in Flanders
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
'Winning is not as easy as everyone thinks' — Mathieu van der Poel after second Tour of Flanders victory
Dutchman says he was calm heading into the sprint on Sunday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Belgian champion Lotte Kopecky takes momentous Tour of Flanders 2022 victory
Kopecky becomes only the second Belgian woman to win Flanders, out-sprinting Van Veluten for the title after a remarkable race
By Owen Rogers • Published
-
Mathieu van der Poel sprints to victory at Tour of Flanders 2022
The Dutchman took his second Tour of Flanders title in a dramatic final sprint
By Richard Windsor • Published