Belgian race organizer Marc Duquesnoy has been handed a three-month suspended sentence after a tragic incident at the 2019 edition of the Grand Prix Alfred Gadenne. The court ruled that failings in race organization led to a large part of the peloton veering off the race course, resulting in the death of 19-year-old rider Stef Loos and injuries to two others.

During the hearing in Tournai, it was revealed that an insufficient number of route-marshals and poor signage contributed to the tragic event. The prosecution initially sought a 12-month sentence, six months suspended, but Duquesnoy argued that responsibility for the errors should be shared among the various parties involved in hosting the race. He also pointed out that the race had been approved by local police despite the lack of on-course marshals.

It’s a stark reminder of the importance of proper race organization and safety measures in cycling events. The tragic outcome of the 2019 Grand Prix Alfred Gadenne serves as a cautionary tale for event organizers and emphasizes the need for thorough planning and execution to ensure the safety of participants.