Belgian race organisers consider making fans pay to watch races

A poll of race organisers in Belgium has revealed that half would consider charging fans to watch races at the roadside, an unpopular move with the fans.

Tour of Flanders.

(Image credit: Graham Watson)

Fans wishing to catch a glimpse of their heroes in major Belgian races could soon have to pay for the privilege, with more than half of race organisers saying that it is inevitable that they will have to introduce fees to make ends meet.

The survey of 22 Belgian race organisers by the Het Nieuwsblad newspaper found that half thought that charging spectators will be inevitable in the long term.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.