54 riders investigated after running red light at Tour of Flanders railway crossing

According to the public prosecutor’s office, 54 riders crossed the railway in Wichelen after the lights had already turned red. All of those involved have since been identified, and a formal report is now being prepared.

Authorities were unequivocal in their response, stressing the seriousness of the offence. Running a red light at a railway crossing is classified as a fourth degree violation under Belgian traffic law, the most severe category, carrying potentially serious consequences.

“The risks to both riders and third parties are significant,” the prosecutor’s office stated. “Such violations will therefore be dealt with strictly. This is unacceptable, even in a sporting context.”

Among those who crossed were leading riders such as Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel. A second group, including Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, came to a stop only once the barriers began to close.

Race organisers opted not to disqualify the riders who crossed, instead allowing the race to reset as the following group rejoined.

The incident has also reignited discussion within the peloton about safety and responsibility. Sep Vanmarcke, now a sports director at Soudal Quick Step, pointed to the dynamics of racing as a key factor.

“Riders approach those crossings at around 55 kilometres per hour in a peloton,” he explained to Wielerflits. “The first riders may see what’s happening, but those behind are looking at the wheel in front of them. Not everyone realises immediately that the light has turned red.”

He added that riders are often forced to make split second decisions. “If the riders in front start braking, you have to decide instantly: do I slam on the brakes and risk causing a crash behind me, or do I continue? Safety is always part of that calculation.”

Vanmarcke rejected any suggestion of deliberate wrongdoing. “There is no bad intent. It is not that riders are trying to break the rules.”

Rather than placing blame solely on the riders, Vanmarcke also pointed to the role of organisers and authorities. With train schedules known in advance, he argued, more proactive intervention could help prevent such situations.

“Everyone involved, from the organisers to the authorities, knows exactly when a train is coming. You cannot expect riders to know that. There is a shared responsibility to intervene in time and ensure safety.”

The public prosecutor has yet to decide whether the case will lead to formal charges, but the incident has already sparked a broader conversation about safety protocols in professional cycling and how similar situations can be avoided in the future.