Team Sky were apparently stopped from riding on the Oude Kwaremont on Friday morning as the British-based WorldTour team undertook a training ride for the Tour of Flanders.
Geraint Thomas, Michal Kwiatkowski and team-mates were prevented from continuing their training ride onto the Oude Kwaremont cobbled section by Belgian police.
It is unclear as to exactly why Team Sky were prevented from entering the Oude Kwaremont. However, security in and around the race this Sunday (April 3) has been tightened in the wake of the recent suicide bombings in Brussels, which claimed the lives of 32 members of the public and injured around 300 others.
The organiser issued the following message as part of its advice to fans attending the event:
"To ensure your safety and the safety from the people around you, we have installed safety zones. Within the safety zones it is not allowed to carry a backpack. Handbags are allowed, but will be searched for forbidden products."
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The Tour of Flanders takes place on Sunday, April 3, starting in Brugge and finishing 255km later in Oudenaarde. The Oude Kwaremont is tackled three times during the race, including within the final 17km, making it one of the key sections of the prestigious classic.
>>> The Koppenberg and the defining cobbles, bergs and climbs of the Belgian Classics
A police van parked near the Oude Kwaremont
Michal Kwiatkowski
Sky riders turn back
Geraint Thomas
Photos by Jack Elton-Walters
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