Belgian cycling champion Rune Herregodts to open Lokerse Feesten

Rune Herregodts, the newly crowned Belgian cycling champion, has been given the honor of opening the Lokerse Feesten festival. The city of Lokeren is preparing to celebrate its local hero, who recently achieved a historic victory.

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It is only logical that we officially honor Rune as the city administration.

Herregodts, a 28-year-old cyclist, secured the Belgian national championship title in Brasschaat on June 28. This marks the first time a cyclist from Lokeren has won this prestigious title, earning him the right to wear the Belgian tricolor jersey for the next year.

City officials, including Alderman of Sport Marjoleine de Ridder and Mayor Filip Anthuenis, expressed pride in Herregodts' achievement. "It is only logical that we officially honor Rune as the city administration," they stated. The official ceremony will take place on the steps of city hall on Friday evening at 7 p.m., just before the festival's official opening.

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Rune was on a training camp in Italy during the past weeks. That's why we waited until now.

Herregodts' victory occurred over a month ago, but the city delayed the official tribute due to his training commitments. "Rune was on a training camp in Italy during the past weeks," explained de Ridder and Anthuenis. "That's why we waited until now." Mayor Anthuenis added, "The opening of the Lokerse Feesten seemed like the ideal moment to present our brand-new cycling champion to the people of Lokeren."

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The opening of the Lokerse Feesten seemed like the ideal moment to present our brand-new cycling champion to the people of Lokeren.