The national competition in road cycling is taking place this week in Middelkerke with athletes from all over the country racing for 208.7km. However, as the summer is seeing another increase in Covid-19 infections, some restrictions are making a comeback.
The Belgium Cycling Federation announced Thursday that spectators will have to wear masks when near the riders during the race taking place on Sunday, 26 June, Belga News Agency reported.
The main event, the individual road race, is taking place Sunday while the time trial happened Thursday.
Belgium Cycling posted on social media Wednesday about the change in Covid-19 protocols, advising that by wearing a mask, spectators are keeping racers in the race.
The most recent champion, Wout van Aert, will not participate in the race Sunday following a minor injury to his knee. While the injury is routine, his absence from the race is taken as a precaution to prevent it from worsening.
