Prosecutors in East Flanders are set to identify and take action against cyclists who disregarded red warning lights at a railway crossing during the Tour des Flandres (Tour of Flanders) race on Sunday, April 5. Despite the peloton splitting due to a passing train, race officials instructed the riders who had crossed to slow down, allowing the main group to reform.
Notable riders who stopped before the train passed included Mathieu van der Poel (who finished second) and Wout van Aert (fourth). However, Tadej Pogacar (the race winner) and Remco Evenepoel (third place) were among 20 to 30 cyclists who crossed the railway tracks after the red lights were active but before the barriers lowered. This action is punishable under Belgian law, even during competitive events like the Tour of Flanders.
Local media reports indicate that the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office will identify the offenders. Potential penalties include fines of approximately 320 euros and an eight-day driving ban.
Race disqualifications are not anticipated, as several cyclists, including Pogacar, claimed they did not receive sufficient warning to safely stop before the railway crossing. An out-of-court settlement is also a possibility for this type of incident, which is not uncommon in professional road cycling races.