The Belgian National Council overturned the COVID-19 restrictions that closed theaters and other cultural facilities, but even if this decision allows upcoming cyclocross races to welcome spectators, organizers say there is no time to rebuild infrastructure to accommodate fans They stated.

The national federation, the Belgian Cycling Federation, will meet with government leaders to discuss whether the court's ruling applies to cycling, but any decision is too late for the Azencross in Rhoenhout on Thursday and the race in Baar on New Year's Day.

According to Het Nieuwsblad, Golazo, organizer of the X2O Badkamers Trophy, will proceed with the race without spectators.

"Tomorrow's Loenhout will go ahead without spectators," organizer Christoph Impens said. 'We have already discussed this with the mayor. After all, it is virtually impossible to get everything in order. It is next to impossible to call in the police and fire brigade, all volunteers have been canceled, and there are no entrances. Tomorrow's first race will also start at 9:00 AM.

The coronavirus caused widespread cancellations in the 2020-2021 season before vaccination became available, but this season was held with few strikes until the Delta and Omicron variants caused a massive outbreak from October to early December.

On December 22, the Belgian government closed cinemas and imposed restrictions on professional sporting events to be held behind closed doors. As a result, organizers canceled the Superprestige in Diegem. Earlier that month, Golasso canceled the World Cup in Antwerp after the government imposed regulations limiting spectator density.

The X2O Trophy in Vaal will also be a no-show due to infrastructure problems. However, the Belgian Championships in Middelkerke on January 8 and 9 will be closed to the public.

"The military facility will be closed until next Sunday and they have already demolished everything. To say that there is one more week is an oversimplistic representation of the facts."

A statement posted on the Belgian Cycling Federation's website the day before Christmas said it was surprised by the decision not to allow spectators and "strongly hopes that this measure will be lifted as soon as possible - provided, of course, that developments in the sanitary situation justify this."

"For the second season in a row, the same organizers are up against the wall. But despite this dire situation, all stakeholders in the cycling environment are doing their best to provide the best possible sport for the athletes and the (TV) public."