Although there’s no direct connection with cycling, the many sentiments of condolences expressed by riders within the pro peloton about a major traffic accident in Sierre, Switzerland has been followed by a similar message by the UCI.
The governing body of the sport has stated that a minute’s silence will be held at all road races in Belgium this weekend, as well as at the start of the first Belgian UCI WorldTour event of the season, the upcoming E3 Prijs Vlaanderen-Harelbeke, on March 23rd.
Yesterday’s news headlines were dominated by a coach crash in a Swiss tunnel, with a 28 people being killed. A total of 22 of those were children. The majority came from Belgium, with seven being Dutch. They were returning home after a school ski trip in Switzerland.
The gravity of the news made a sombre impression on many riders, particularly those from the countries concerned.
“The UCI is deeply saddened by the tragic Belgian coach accident that caused the death of 28 people, including 22 children in a Swiss tunnel this week.,” stated the governing body in a release.
“The UCI expresses its sincere condolences and profound sympathy to the families and communities affected by this tragic loss.”
It added that permission had been given for another gesture of support and sympathy to be shown.
“The UCI has agreed, with full commiseration, to the request filed by the Belgian Cycling Federation for its riders to wear black armbands at Milano Sanremo this weekend.”
The 298 kilometre Classic will be held on Saturday. Belgian rider Tom Boonen is one of the favourites for the race, and will lead that country’s Omega Pharma Quick Step squad.