At present, the Belgian federation has not yet booked a hotel. “We want guarantees on the quality of services, such as the presence of a garage for bicycles or the possibility of bringing our own cooks. It has been several months since we specified our needs, but we do not yet have a clear answer.”
It is not realistic to send 60 or 70 runners and supervisors.
One thing already seems to be decided: the delegation that will make the trip will be much smaller than usual. “It is not realistic to send 60 or 70 runners and supervisors, continues Nathalie Clauwaert. In this sense, certain youth selections could be reduced. We may have to put certain criteria in place so that those who participate play a significant role. I prefer to have a delegation in all categories, but it is likely that we will have to reduce certain selections by taking, for example, three juniors instead of six. And we must also take into account the cost of vaccination”
Another option considered to reduce costs: shorten the stay. Kigali is at an altitude of 1400 meters and there is no time difference. This might help. “We could limit the presence to three or four days on site instead of the usual seven or eight because there is no real need for adaptation,” admits the director of Belgian Cycling, a federation which faces the multiplication of European and world championships. There have also been numerous budgetary restrictions in recent months (bonuses linked to medals have notably been eliminated). “We are a healthy federation but not rich”Tom Van Damme, the president, recently recalled.
Tom Van Damme explains why Belgian Cycling did not choose Philippe Gilbert as coach: “Serge Pauwels had an advantage over him”
The organization defends itself: “For once it’s the opposite situation”
On the side of Golazo, to whom the organization of the Worlds was delegated by the UCI (with ASO), we defend ourselves: “When African countries come to Europe to compete, it’s the same thing, indicates general manager Christophe Impens. For once the situation is reversed, the federations criticize Hotel prices fluctuate according to supply and demand, like everywhere.”
“We have a wide range of hotels, apartments and private houses that can meet the expectations of federations and other guests, depending on their needs and budget”indicates for her part Nelly Mukazayire, president of the local organizing committee.
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