Aalter offers up to 3,000 euros for village cycling races to encourage youth participation

Aalter is launching a new subsidy program to boost local cycling races, particularly for youth.

The municipality will offer up to 3,000 euros to organizers, aiming to reverse the decline in village races across Flanders. The goal is to encourage new initiatives and preserve existing competitions in Aalter's eight sub-municipalities.

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We hear from organizers that finding sponsorship is becoming increasingly difficult. That's why we want to unburden them. We especially want to put youth races back on the map.

The amount of funding varies by race type. National-level events like the Memorial Bjorg Lambrecht can receive 3,000 euros. Local village races get 1,000 euros, and G-cycling races receive 750 euros. Beyond financial aid, the municipality will also provide free equipment and community halls.

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These are precisely the races that have come under increasing pressure in recent years. Cycling is in the DNA of our municipality. It brings athletes, volunteers, associations, and supporters together and brings life to our villages. The extra resources give organizers more breathing room.

"We hear from organizers that finding sponsorship is becoming increasingly difficult. That's why we want to unburden them. We especially want to put youth races back on the map," said Kristof De Blaere, the sports alderman. "These are precisely the races that have come under increasing pressure in recent years. Cycling is in the DNA of our municipality. It brings athletes, volunteers, associations, and supporters together and brings life to our villages. The extra resources give organizers more breathing room."

Aalter has long positioned itself as a cycling community. The Tour of Flanders will pass through the municipality in the coming years, but this is separate from the new subsidy. The regulation specifically targets local, recognized associations and even those who organized a race earlier this year are eligible. "We have known many strong cyclists and cycling clubs over the years. Cycling is still very much alive in our municipality today. With this regulation, we want to ensure that local associations can continue that tradition," De Blaere concluded.

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We have known many strong cyclists and cycling clubs over the years. Cycling is still very much alive in our municipality today. With this regulation, we want to ensure that local associations can continue that tradition.