Nails on cycling course in Leest cause flat tires for riders: police investigate malicious intent

During a cycling race in Leest, a sub-municipality of Mechelen, several riders experienced flat tires over the weekend due to nails found on the road. The race organizers suspect foul play, especially since the course had been cleaned just before the start.

"You don't have to be a fan of cycling, but respect for riders, volunteers, and the sport should be the absolute minimum," a statement from the organizers read. Last Saturday, Leest hosted a race for juniors and novices organized by cycling club DLS Invigo. This was the second time the club organized the event in Leest, but this year's edition was marred by the incident.

“

You don't have to be a fan of cycling, but respect for riders, volunteers, and the sport should be the absolute minimum.

"We had two races, and during the first one, we noticed an unusually high number of riders getting flat tires from nails in their tires," said organizer Kurt Candries. "We inspected the course and indeed found nails on the road." A total of about six riders suffered flat tires. "We removed the nails and notified the police. But during the second race, more riders got flats because there were still nails in another spot," Candries added.

“

We had two races, and during the first one, we noticed an unusually high number of riders getting flat tires from nails in their tires.

The organization strongly suspects malicious intent. "The municipal services of Mechelen cleaned the entire course the week before the race, and we personally checked everything before the start." Candries speculated, "It's probably one individual who had issues with the race. But that's quite strange, as we've always been well-received in Leest and have never received complaints."

Whether the nails were deliberately thrown onto the road has not yet been proven. The police have initiated an investigation to determine this. Candries expressed regret over the incident. "The riders train hard for these events, and it's disappointing for them to have to leave the race in this manner. But it's also about safety. If falls occur, it could lead to dangerous situations that go beyond simple mischief."

“

We inspected the course and indeed found nails on the road.

Despite the incident, the organization plans to hold the race in Leest again next year. "We still need to conduct an evaluation, but the intention is to keep the race here," Candries stated.

“

The municipal services of Mechelen cleaned the entire course the week before the race, and we personally checked everything before the start.