I observe. The Dendermonde cross joins Golazo’s HG Cross series this season, at the initiative of Jurgen Mettepenningen. The Ambiancecross is now called the Borremans Mosselcross, after a fishmonger from Berlare.
Firstly, the elite prize. 350 euros and 100 kilos of mussels, for men and women alike. The symmetry is respected. I note it first, it is the line I always check.
Secondly, the prize for the youth categories. 150 euros and 50 kilos each. The proportion is consistent. The money does not follow the same scale as the mussels, but the rulebook does not require the prize to be worked out by proportion.
Thirdly, the use. The winners may give their mussels to their fan club for a party. The prize is transferable. This is unusual. At the kermesse (a village circuit race), the butcher’s prize is presented at the café and stays with the rider. Here, it leaves with the supporters. I note that it is provided for, so it is compliant.
According to Jurgen Mettepenningen, it is a playful way of being creative with sponsorship deals. Playful is not a word in the rulebook. Neither is creative. I copy them into the remarks column, as they are.
The weighing remains. Nobody says who weighs the mussels, on which scales, or whether the shell counts. On Sundays I weigh bikes when asked. Nobody has asked me for a tub of mussels.
A hundred kilos to bring home by bike, with the backpack, I’m not saying I win.
Verdict: compliant. The scales, I do not note.
It’s true, we checked: WielerFlits.
