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.
VRT NWS →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.
VRT NWS →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.
7sur7 →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.
7sur7 →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.
HLN →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.
7sur7 →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.
VRT NWS →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.
La Libre →