An emotionally and financially difficult decision: "In this situation, there is only one solution: cancel"

The first World Cup cyclo-cross race on the Italian island of Sardinia promised to be a historic moment, but the weather decided differently. Strong gusts threatened the safety of riders and spectators, so the organization decided to cancel the entire race. Even the riders showed understanding of the difficult situation.

Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics and the organizer of the World Cup, explained the decision to Sporza. "Around 11 AM, we decided with the authorities and the UCI to cancel the cross. The wind, which has been raging over the island since yesterday evening, makes it impossible to guarantee the safety of riders and the public. In such a situation, there is only one solution: cancel."

An emotionally and financially tough decision 

Although the decision was not difficult because of the safety risks, Van Den Spiegel acknowledges that it was emotionally tough, especially for the local organizers. "They have invested tremendous time and resources to bring this World Cup to Sardinia. The fact that it is now canceled is very painful for them."

The cancellation also has financial and logistical implications. According to Van Den Spiegel, the exact costs have not yet been fully mapped out, but the local organization will take the biggest hit. "There are always insurances and different parties involved, but it is clear that a cancellation affects everyone. Indeed, everyone, because teams have also paid to come to Sardinia with staff and equipment, cannot earn anything."

Moving to tomorrow was a logistic impossible job

A possible move of the races to Monday was considered but proved unfeasible. "Logistically, it was tremendously challenging to move everything to tomorrow. We have to deal with crew members already flying back tonight, TV productions, and tight broadcast schedules. In addition, we wanted to avoid further chaos."

The strong winds, which at times reached a hundred kilometers per hour, had a significant impact. For example, many fences were knocked down, canvases were broken, and tents were damaged. The press room also burned down during the night; the cause of that is still unclear. The event, meant to put Sardinia on the map, ends on a sad note. But emphasizes Van Den Spiegel: "It was the only right decision. By the way, this also became clear during the interview, where the man from Flanders Classics regularly lost his balance due to the strong gusts of wind."

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