'Respect the race' campaign calls on cycling fans to show support responsibly

25 February 2026

Belgian Cycling has launched an awareness campaign to call on supporters to respect cyclists during road races.

According to Massimo Van Lancker, director of sport at Belgian Cycling, cycling is one of the most accessible sports, which is both an asset and a challenge. “As a supporter, you are literally a few metres from the champions. This accessibility is a huge asset of our sport, but it also requires responsibility,” he said.

The boundaries of respect are sometimes crossed by supporters, he says. “This affects not only the riders, but also the image and future of cycling itself. Cycling should be a celebration for everyone: supporters are allowed to show passion and encourage their favourite, but never at the expense of others.”

In the #respecttherace campaign, launched at the start of the new cycling season, the organisers address supporters directly.

“What if it was your son or daughter riding? Would you also throw beer? Would you consider it normal for someone to boo your child?” Van Lancker: “Behind every helmet is a human being with family, friends and supporters who are proud.”

"Supporters are allowed to show passion and encourage their favourite, but never at the expense of others"

The campaign is an initiative of Belgian Cycling, supported by Cycling Vlaanderen and Wallonie-Bruxelles Cycling. It features a video with cyclists Alana Castrique and Fabio Van den Bossche.

Meanwhile, Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel has confirmed that he will take part in Saturday’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the one-day road race starting in Ghent that traditionally kicks off the season. He will also race in Milan-Sanremo, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

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“After a few weeks of focused preparation, he now feels race-ready and confident to appear at the start of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the opening race in Belgium,” his team, Alpecin-Premier Tech, said.

“After Sanremo, the focus shifts completely to the cobbled classics. The E3 Saxo Classic and In Flanders Fields form the final run-up to the Tour of Flanders, the second monument of the spring.”

This will be Van der Poel’s debut in the Omloop.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Cycling fans pictured on the Muur of Geraardsbergen during the men's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad from Gent to Ninove, 1 March 2025 © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS}

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