Public Prosecutors identify all 54 cyclists who ignored red light at Tour of Flanders level crossing (VIDEO)

The incident occurred during the Tour of Flanders’ passage through the municipality of Wichelen (East Flanders), early in the race. Just a few hours later, the East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that it would prosecute the riders involved.

“Ignoring a red light at a level crossing is a fourth-degree offence, the most serious category under traffic legislation, which can have severe consequences. Such an offence poses serious risks to the safety of both the riders and third parties. That is why these offences are severely punished,” the public prosecutor’s office says.

At the level crossing, the light turned red, but the front section of the peloton, including future winner Tadej Pogacar and his big rival Remco Evenepoel, ignored the red light. A total of 54 riders were involved, according to the public prosecutor’s office. There were 182 participants at the start of the race.

Only when the barriers came down did the rest of the peloton, including riders Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, come to a halt. The first group was not removed from the race as should have happened under race rules but had to allow the second group to catch up.

Will riders be summoned to appear before a magistrate?

"All the offenders have now been identified and an official report is currently being drawn up," the public prosecutor’s office reports.

The public prosecutor’s office “wishes to emphasise that such offences, even in a sporting context, are unacceptable”.

According to the public prosecutor’s office, a decision on further criminal prosecutions will be made “on the basis of the investigation and further findings”. It has therefore not yet been decided whether the riders will have to answer for their actions in court.

For traffic offences in the most serious category, offenders are, in principle, always summoned to appear before the police court. Fines ranges from 400 to 5,000 euros. The judge also always imposes a driving ban of at least 8 days.

It remains unclear whether the International Cycling Union (UCI) intends to impose sanctions on the riders. The union is currently unavailable for comment. However, some riders were fined for other offences during the race.