Belgian Cycling mandatory start rule under spotlight as Evenepoel and Wellens set to miss championships

The Belgian federation's rules state that riders who fail to start the national championships without a valid reason can receive a suspension of over a week from racing. In theory, such a sanction could impact lining up for the upcoming Tour de France, which starts less than a week later in Barcelona on July 4. 

In practice, however, riders have previously avoided sanctions after providing medical certificates or other accepted justifications.

Speaking to WielerFlits, Belgian Cycling's Director of Sport Massimo Van Lancker stated that the rules apply to all riders equally and that no exceptions exist. Riders unable to compete must provide a valid medical certificate or another accepted justification to avoid sanctions.

“Every rider has received an email with all the information. The regulations are stated in that email. It is up to each rider to know and respect those rules. If they cannot attend, they must take the necessary steps," Van Lancker told WielerFlits.

"If you have a doctor’s certificate, you are excused, and the sanction does not apply. If you do not have a certificate or valid reason, then you are unjustifiably absent, and Belgian Cycling will take action.”

Evenepoel and Wellens’ expected absence has reignited discussion around the regulation. This year’s road race in Brasschaat is held on a flat parcours that is widely expected to suit sprinters over the puncheurs or climbers.

Wellens claimed the Belgian stripes twelve months ago in Binche with a 42km solo effort, with Evenepoel settling for the silver medal 38 seconds behind. Wellens would go on to win stage 15 of the Tour, in Carcassonne, with another long solo breakaway of 43km. Meanwhile, Evenepoel claimed the time trial title for the second time, adding to the road race title he won in 2023.

Evenepoel is set to lead the line alongside Florian Lipowitz for Red Bull at the Tour, as Wellens prepares to support Tadej Pogačar’s bid for a record-equalling fifth yellow jersey in Paris.

Elsewhere, other riders have also chosen to focus on their Tour preparations over national championship ambitions. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) is expected to skip the French National Championships as he focuses on recovering from his crash at the Tour-Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes while building towards his Tour debut.