The first round of the Telenet UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup was due to take place in Koksidje, Belgium today. However, the organisers made the decision earlier today to cancel the races due to high winds.
Storm Angus hit the South coast of the UK before moving into the North Sea and a video from the course posted earlier today showed the strength of the winds.
The statement from the organisers read: “OFFICIAL: All races Worldcup Cyclocross Koksijde cancelled due to heavy wind. Everything is cancelled.”
The decision from the organisers resulted in a mixed reaction from riders. Belgium’s Wout van Aert said on Twitter: “Dissapointed to not race today but I think the organisation has made a brave decision to cancel all races. Safety first!”
British rider Helen Wyman also felt it was the correct decision as she said: “FYI driving a 3 tonne camper on the motorway in this wind is dangerous the UCI made the right call for rider and spectators safety. #wild”
However, Dutch rider Mathieu Van der Poel felt that the race could have still gone ahead later today as he said: “Still 4u30 till the race starts, decision was made way too fast in my opinion. They predict less wind this afternoon. #cxweahter”
Another Belgian rider – Gianni Vermeersch – posted the video below showing how strong the winds were this morning.
Als je dit ziet is afgelasting de enige juiste keuze. Jammere zaak, maar veiligheid gaat voor! #TelenetUCICXWC #Koksijde pic.twitter.com/FEFOsVJIyr
— Gianni Vermeersch (@GVermeersch) November 20, 2016
The next round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup takes place in Zeven, in a week’s time.
that’s nuts
Reminds me of Rás na mBan 2016 stage 3 finish on top of Mount Leinster
[…] you will know how difficult it is. The 2016 World champ had some time on his hands because of the cancellation of the 2016 Koksijde Cyclocross World Cup and took the time to hit his local trails for a bit of […]