Belgium faced a tense day, with streets closed after a possible shooting in Aalst, a stabbing at the Giants Parade and metro disruptions caused by smoke. Elsewhere, Lotte Kopecky looked ahead to the road race World Championships as sporting and international headlines drew attention.
Thirty-year-old Lotte Kopecky is Belgium’s spearhead from 3 p.m. in the women’s road race at the World Cycling Championships in Montreal. The two-time world champion starts with clear ambitions. She hopes for a top day and says that, if it comes, a lot will be possible. Kopecky is thus leading Belgium in the Canadian race.
Around 600,000 faithful are expected in Paris on Saturday, on the Champs-Élysées, for a giant Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV. The gathering will take place under tight security on the second day of his first visit to France. The visit has sparked widespread public enthusiasm and is expected to draw a substantial crowd.
Spain face England in the Nations League tonight in a clash between the reigning world champions and the England national team. The match takes place at Wembley in London and kicks off at 8:45pm. It is Spain’s first international since winning the World Cup. The winner will immediately take an important step in the group stage.
Police deployed in force to Houtmarkt in Aalst on Saturday morning after a serious incident at around 5 a.m. Bystanders suspect shots were fired. A local resident says they heard at least five shots. Several streets were closed while police investigated what exactly had happened.
Two people were injured in a stabbing during the Giants Parade on Turnhoutsebaan in Borgerhout, Antwerp, on Saturday afternoon. One victim is in life-threatening condition. The suspect is at large and police are searching for them.
Belgium’s cycling team heads to the World Championship road race in Montréal with two leaders: Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert are both targeting the world title. National coach Serge Pauwels is counting on the combination, which proved successful in Wollongong in 2022. Their hotel rooms are 23 metres apart, but cooperation is central.
Donald Trump rejected an Iranian offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. After refusing it, the US president used the expression “Trump Strait” ironically. The nickname refers to the US decision concerning this strategic maritime passage and discussions about reopening it.
Brussels metro lines 2 and 6 are partially suspended between Stuyvenbergh and Delacroix stations. STIB said late Saturday afternoon that smoke was disrupting traffic on this section. The incident is affecting service to several stations in the capital, with service temporarily suspended.
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