The Belgian government's decision to ban spectators to sporting events has caused disruption for cyclocross organizers, cancelling the Superprestige race in Diegem on December 29 and putting other races at risk.

The World Cup race in Dendermonde on December 26 will go ahead despite the loss of revenue from spectators, and cyclocross big three Mathieu van der Poel (open in new tab), Wout van Aert (open in new tab) A second clash of the big three is also scheduled for Heusden-Zolder on December 27. The Belgian National Championships in Middelkerke on January 8 and 9 appear to have been cancelled due to protests and action by the Belgian Cycling Federation. However, other races to be held later in January have yet to be decided.

The World Championships will be held at the end of January in Fayetteville, USA, but the UCI has not yet made a final decision on whether to host it.

The new Belgian COVID-19 regulations, concerns about the Omicron variant, and loss of spectator revenue will force other cyclocross races to decide whether they can be held safely and whether they are financially viable. Race organizers warn that riders will face a cut in start fees and are taking other cost-cutting measures to ensure the race's survival. They are also demanding financial support from the Belgian government.

The decision on whether the race can be held depends not only on the Belgian COVID-19 regulations, but also on the local mayor of the host city. Since the race in Diegem passes through the center of the village and near two cafes, it would be impossible to close the course.

The course in Dendermonde is more isolated. The Boxing Day race schedule will not be changed, the World Cup prize money will be awarded, and the 5,000 advance tickets will be refunded.

Organizer Jürgen Mettpenningen told the Flemish media, "We didn't want to throw in the towel. [Of course, financially it is a big blow. Thanks to the Flanders Classic and the special support from the UCI, we were able to keep the World Cup Cross race alive. The city of Dendermonde also contributed."

Some organizers have blamed the Belgian government's decision on the poor manners of soccer fans in the stadiums and questioned why other activities are still allowed despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

"Bruges and other cities may have Christmas markets, but we have to race without spectators," Francis Boschaerts, chairman of the Daygem organizing committee, told Sporza.

"In Bruges, tens of thousands of people are walking together, but we are not allowed to hold a cross race with the public. It is incomprehensible."