Herentals (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Organizers of Herentals Fietst anticipate 25,000 to 30,000 spectators at today’s post-Tour criterium, highlighting the event’s growing popularity.
Wout Van Aert, a Kempen local and fan favorite, will start tonight. There will be races for women, corporations, and disabled cyclists prior to the men’s event.
Herentals Fietst began at 1 p.m. The chance to investigate the post-Tour criterium route was granted to the Flemish cycling school from Herentals, Belgium. On the Grote Markt, the young riders also performed.
Next on the program are the Kaliber G road criterium, the AG Insurance Trophy, and the Clima & Partners Criterium (Women Elite and U23).
“We have 40 women registered, half of whom are from abroad,”
says organizer Philippe Mariën.
“And we don’t even have to contact them anymore; they contact us themselves.”
Sanne Cant is the honored guest. She was a 15-time Belgian cyclocross champion and a 3-time global champion. She will start the Herentals women’s race.
The green jersey winner has visited Herentals Fietst for the fourth consecutive year.
“We’ve had the tradition of bringing eggs to the hotel, which used to be the Carmelite monastery, for over 10 years now. It might be superstition, but it’s almost always helped in recent years,” Mariën laughs.
“So I hope it doesn’t start raining until after 10 p.m. Or preferably before the race, so the cobblestones are already wet before the riders start. Then they’ll be more careful than if it starts raining during the race.”
Jef Engelen of Druyts Sportlokaal, a supporters’ café run by Wout Van Aert, is already prepared.
“I’ve opened all the umbrellas I have, so spectators will definitely be able to stay dry here.”
And he’s also counting on a large crowd.
“There are about 50 kgs of beer ready in the cellar.”
The café also plays host to Veloclub Hertals.
“We’ve already done a few laps on the course here,”
some members say just before noon.
“It’s an ideal course. But if the cobblestones get wet, it can be slippery. The barriers are quite close to the course in some places.”
Let that be a warning to Wout Van Aert and all the other participants today!
What impact might the large crowds have on local traffic and safety?
The influx of spectators in a concentrated area typically exceeds local road capacities, leading to severe congestion, slow vehicle movements, and longer travel times for all road users. Nearby residential and commercial areas can experience spillover traffic and parking shortages, disrupting daily life and emergency vehicle access.
High pedestrian volumes crossing streets and navigating narrow urban roads increase risks of collisions, especially where infrastructure lacks dedicated pedestrian crossings or cycling lanes. Increased vehicle-pedestrian interaction raises the likelihood of accidents or injuries if not properly managed.
Large assembled crowds can pose risks related to crowd surges, crushing incidents, and dangerous behaviors.
