Railway crossing incident involving Pogacar and Evenepoel raises questions at Tour of Flanders

The incident occurred at a level crossing on Paepestraat in Wichelen, where the warning lights turned red as the race approached. Riders at the front of the peloton continued across the tracks despite the signal, while those further back were forced to stop as the barriers came down. Among the front group were defending champion Tadej Pogačar, several of his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, and Remco Evenepoel. 

The chasing group, which included Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, was held up behind the closed crossing.

Race officials quickly intervened, instructing the leading group to ease their pace in order to allow those delayed to regain contact. The breakaway riders were unaffected, with their advantage maintained in accordance with race regulations.

Het Nieuwsblad contacted the UCI about the incident, where an anonymous commissaire told: “The rules are clear: riders must stop at a red light. Anyone who rides through it should be removed from the race."

Reference is made to Paris Roubaix 2006, when riders including Peter Van Petegem and Leif Hoste were removed from the results for ignoring a railway crossing signal.

The decision ultimately lies with the president of the jury, in consultation with video officials who can review the footage. "The only real question is whether the red light was already active when the riders crossed. Where it happens or who is involved is irrelevant.”

Despite the apparent clarity of the rules, Het Nieuwsblad indicate that the likelihood of Pogačar, Evenepoel and others being removed from the race or disqualified is considered extremely low.