Belgium woke to warnings of strong coastal winds, a critical motorbike crash in Aalst and renewed concern over drug-related violence. Cycling also dominated the headlines, as Tadej Pogačar abandoned the Vuelta and Belgian champion Rune Herregodts joined Movistar.
Tadej Pogačar must leave the Vuelta a España after a heavy crash. The Slovenian rider, leader of the general classification, crashed at high speed in the peloton. As a result, his participation in the Spanish stage race ends immediately. Pogačar cannot defend his lead and abandons the race after the incident.
A motorcyclist was critically injured in a crash on the Moorselbaan in Aalst. The motorcyclist collided with a passenger car driven by an 86-year-old man. The East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office appointed a traffic expert to investigate the serious collision. The expert will establish the circumstances of the crash.
Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, found their parents dead Tuesday in the jacuzzi of a holiday villa in Cullera, south of Valencia, Spain. Police initially considered a criminal act. Investigators are now examining the possibility that a technical fault triggered a fatal chain reaction.
On Saturday afternoon, the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) forecasts cloudy skies, with rain and showers arriving from the west and southwest. Temperatures will range from 17°C in the High Fens to 23°C in the Campine. Winds will be moderate, but gusts may exceed 50 km/h at the coast. The 1722 helpline is activated.
Belgian champion Rune Herregodts is starting a new chapter with Movistar. The cyclist will join the Spanish team for three years from next season. Cycling transfers may officially be announced worldwide from 1 August. A live blog is closely following all announcements and developments during the transfer period.
In Brussels, drug-trafficking violence is intensifying, with six shootings recorded since last weekend. A drug-dealing point can bring in up to €80,000 a day. In Anderlecht, a police station was targeted, while in Saint-Gilles, a bullet went through a bedroom. Ine Van Wymersch is calling for a comprehensive response.
The renovated Dumont Quarter in De Panne has been officially opened in a festive ceremony. Nearly all streets in the neighborhood, known for its historic seaside villas, were refurbished. Parking spaces were replaced by trees and landscaped areas; in the redesigned public space, pedestrians and cyclists will now take priority over car traffic, with a different mobility layout throughout the neighborhood.
Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar was forced to abandon the Vuelta a España after a heavy crash. The incident ends his hopes of securing another victory on Spanish roads. He leaves the race prematurely as the event continues without him.
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