In a country confined in the middle of the coronavirus crisis, the race took place with great champions. But virtually and in a select committee.
For the first time since 1918 the biggest popular festival in Flanders could not take place, but to please the many viewers and sponsors, the organizers bet on a virtual version. In practice thirteen professional runners including Remco Evenepoel, Greg Van Avermaet, Wout Van Aert or the outgoing winner, Alberto Bettiol responded. The race, broadcast live on VRT and on the RTBF website, and commented on by professional journalists too, was a great success. Over 600,000 fans attended the event.
Cyclists gave everything on their home trainer, pushing spikes up to 70km / h, in their living room or in their garage. Technological advances in home trainers and virtual applications allow runners to get as close as possible to real racing conditions. Whether it is the effects of elevation or aspiration (getting in the wake of other cyclists to save energy) in particular. It lacked however the wind, the vibrations of the cobblestones and above all, especially the atmosphere and the encouragement of the public on the side of the road.
Cycling has a bright future ahead of it once normal life resumes
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