Security concerns have Koksijde World Cup organisers on edge
The local organisers of the Koksijde UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup have been set on edge by the fallout from the Paris terrorist attacks, as authorities continue to conduct operations in the Brussels area where several of the Paris attackers originated.
Although Koksijde is 140km away from Brussels, organisers are concerned that a general threat against Belgium, and the proximity of an air base containing a refugee center, could make the event a target.
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According to Het Nieuwsblad, Chief Constable Nicholas Paelinck assured organiser Jan Deramoudt that his officers could secure the grounds, there has been a general warning from the French Interior Minister about movements of suspects across the French-Belgian border, and a specific mention of Koksijde that read, "The Elysée is concerned about the presence of Belgian asylum centers in the border areas with France. The French fear infiltrations in particular for people with bad intentions. The concern would include the presence of a refugee camp in Koksijde..."
The pair met with Koksijde Mayor Marc Vanden Bussche and are seeking clarification from the Belgian Interior Minister to determine the exact situation. "We have no idea on what this analysis is based, though they may have information in France we do not," Vanden Bussche said, but plans to keep the refugees indoors during the races.
The organisers plan to hold the race, but promise extra security checks. The Gent Six Day also added extra police presence and banned spectators from carrying bags into the velodrome. Koksijde organisers have asked spectators to leave their bags at home to prevent delays entering the venue.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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