Evenepoel's plan to skip Belgian nationals raises questions around federation rules
Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) reportedly plans to skip the upcoming Belgian nationals, and that plan has raised questions around whether the Belgian federation will try to enforce its rules on mandatory participation. According to the regulations, WorldTour riders who skip the national championships without medical reasons are supposed to be banned from racing for nine days.
Such a suspension would preclude Evenepoel from racing the Tour de France, and Belgian federation boss Massimo Van Lancker told Wielerflits that the organization does not intend to make exceptions for anyone. Lawyers quoted by Wielerflits were uncertain over the likelihood of any ban being enforceable outside of Belgium; for now it remains unclear whether Evenepoel will face any consequences for his scheduling decisions. [Wielerflits]
