Finding. On Friday 2 October, the day before the race, the Belgian women’s team rode two laps of the course. Lotte Claes did the recon on the time trial bike. I note.
First. Lotte Claes states: “We do not really have a leader.” I reread the standard start sheet. The “leader” box does not appear on it. There is a name, a bib number, a team. The rulebook does not provide for a leader, it provides for starters. On this point, the Belgian team is in order.
Second. “If there is a breakaway, we have to be in it.” A breakaway is a gap recorded between two groups. Being in it is authorised. I have nothing to add.
Third. The riders will have to follow on the climb, despite the presence of the French, the Spanish and the Dutch. The presence of other nations is provided for. It is the very definition of a European championship.
Fourth. “If we give everything and can race a little without just following, we will be able to be happy.” The rulebook does not provide for happiness. It provides for a classification. I do not hold it against anyone.
Lotte Claes won the Nieuwsblad (the Omloop) in 2025, to general surprise. Surprise is not a category in the classification. The victory is. It is entered.
Myriam, at the back, we never had a leader, and we still finished inside the time limit.
She is riding her second Euro. The broadcast starts Saturday at 1.20pm. I will watch from Amay, the folder open, to check the time limit.
Verdict: compliant.
It’s true, we checked: RTBF Sport.
