The fairground prices live in West Flanders, also during the second edition of the GP Lendelede. Last year home driver Alec Segaert and the Lotto rider is also at the start: “I have already driven many large races and I have often participated in the front. After today I take a rest anyway, because then the second season starts.”
The West Flanders is looking forward to the second half of the cycling season: “I have a chance to win the Tour, so if I can drive it I will prepare for that. The focus will be on the tour and the championships before, certainly the Belgian.
Yves Lampaert (Soudal Quick-Step) is also present, he drives a solid season without real outliers: “Before the fall, it is to work again to the championship. Still an important appointment every year. The tour is not yet certain, we see what that brings.”
Segaert cannot defend his title, the final win is for the Noor Peder Dahl beach after a beautiful solo of 50 km. Matijs van Strijthem wins the sprint for second place, Lennert Teugels completes the stage.
Eleven fairground prices
Our country still has 20 fairground prices, of which 11 in West Flanders. Cycling Vlaanderen wants to join forces: “We want to keep all rates in West Flanders today. And we want to take a number of actions on this,” says Björn Leenknegt chairman.
For the elite races there is already more collaboration, for example about the neutral cars and emergency services. Now they also want to extend that to the organizations of the fairground prices. Who knows in the long term, a recognition of the (fair) rates such as cultural heritage will follow: “I am sure this should be achieved, certainly because the fairs are already heritage. So why cannot the cycling races in general, not only the EliteGeWstirjden, then not eligible?”
Björn Leenknegt agrees: “Kermis races get a lot of people. It is top sport and it offers opportunities to young people. We have to have this protected. It is something that has been tradition for years.”