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🇧🇪 Belgium /Sports

Cycling fans flock to Herentals for post-Tour race; 'Our Woutje was missed'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A cycling race in Herentals, Belgium, attracted a large crowd of fans to the town center.
  • Jasper Philipsen won the race, followed by Tim Merlier and Jasper Stuyven.
  • While most attendees enjoyed the event as a show and a tradition, some locals found the crowds and road closures disruptive.

Herentals, Belgium, buzzed with excitement as the Heylen Vastgoed post-Tour criterium drew a massive crowd to its town center. Fans lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of top cyclists competing in what many described as more than just a race, but a true show.

It is not only a bike race, but a whole show with real top stars participating.

— supporter NancyDescribing the Heylen Vastgoed post-Tour criterium in Herentals.

Jasper Philipsen crossed the finish line first, securing victory ahead of Tim Merlier and Jasper Stuyven. The predictable outcome of strong contenders did not diminish the spectators' enthusiasm. "It was spectacular. It's not just a bike race, but a whole show with real top stars participating," shared supporter Nancy, reflecting the general sentiment of enjoyment.

For many, the event is a cherished annual tradition. "I look forward to it every year. I used to be a cyclist myself, so I caught the bug," said Willy from Herentals. However, the event's popularity comes with drawbacks for some residents and businesses. "My neighbors now go on vacation specifically because the crowds become too much for them," Willy added. The local traders' association also expressed dissatisfaction with the town center's closure.

I look forward to it every year. I used to be a cyclist myself, so I caught the bug.

— WillyExpressing his long-standing enjoyment of the annual cycling event in Herentals.

Despite the disruptions for some, the atmosphere for cycling enthusiasts was electric. Maria, a local resident, enjoyed a perfect view from her home near the course. "Herentals cycling and celebration is always top. Always," she stated. "We enjoyed it. We could see everything: Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier, everything. It was a fantastic evening. We just missed our Woutje," she added, referring to the absence of local favorite Wout van Aert.

My neighbors now go on vacation specifically because the crowds become too much for them.

— WillyHighlighting the disruptive impact of the event's crowds on some local residents.

Young supporters Nevi and Loïc were also thrilled, collecting autographs and even snagging a photo with winner Jasper Philipsen. The festivities continued late into the night with music on the Grote Markt, promising more performances and a running race in the following days.

It was a fantastic evening. We just missed our Woutje.

— MariaReflecting on the post-Tour criterium in Herentals, noting the absence of local favorite Wout van Aert.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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