Grand Prix organizer Rik Van Looy surprised by the news: “Last week we discussed the next edition”

Today, price is the most important side issue. Rik Van Looy’s death was unexpected, even for people in his circle. This also applies to Pieter Van Genechten, organizer of the Rik Van Looy GP. “He always knew very well what he wanted,” he says about the cycling legend’s commitment to his race.

“The news of his death is definitely a surprise, last week I visited Rik to discuss the next edition.”

It is certainly a strange day for Pieter Van Genechten. The organizer of the Grand Prix Rik Van Looy loses his great figurehead of the promise race.

“Rik had been making plans for some time so that we could continue when he was no longer there. But still, there was nothing that announced this,” says Van Genechten.

He has been working with the Belgian cycling legend since 2018: “He had an extremely strong character and knew very well what he wanted with his GP. I never knew him as a driver, but I can imagine that that mentality made him the Emperor.”

I am grateful to Rik for all the times he insisted on being there and giving the start.

Pieter Van Genechten

In the beginning, Rik Van Looy left the organization to its own devices, but after a few successful editions, he became extremely involved.

“He absolutely wanted the race to be held every year. Even though it is not always easy to find budgets and volunteers. He himself was committed to it until the last day.”

So the motivation to make the first edition after his death – in September 2025 – a beautiful tribute is great.

“In any case,” Van Genechten agrees. “I am grateful to Rik for all the times he insisted on being there and giving the start. Hopefully we will find volunteers with the same drive to make it happen this year.”

“But the fact that he will no longer be there will definitely be a loss. His person, his character and his stories were always inimitable.”

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