CYCLING VLAANDEREN AND BOPLAN STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH 150 RACE BUMPERS FOR YOUTH RACES

Ghent, 19 June 2024 - Cycling Vlaanderen and Boplan are going to work together even more. To guarantee the safety of their races, Cycling Vlaanderen has been counting on Boplan, the federation's official safety partner, for a few years now. Together, they secured over 190 youth races last year. Cycling Flanders now wants to offer even more organisers the chance to secure their courses, which is why they are strengthening their partnership with Boplan.

150 EXTRA RACE BUMPERS TO LEND TO ORGANISERS

To offer even more organisers the chance to use Race Bumpers, Boplan has decided to produce 150 Race Bumpers exclusively for Cycling Vlaanderen. As a manufacturer of industrial safety solutions, Boplan is happy to use its expertise to organise youth races safely. The Race Bumper is a pad manufactured from Rexilene®, a plastic patented by Boplan.

The Race Bumper has since proven to be an effective measure to secure trees, poles, fences and other dangerous obstacles along the course. It signals danger and mitigates the consequences of a collision.

The Race Bumpers are permanently deployable for all races in all disciplines. Organisers can borrow them free of charge through the federation. There are 3 lending locations in Flanders, namely Ghent, Heverlee and Zolder.

Photo of the Boplan Race Barrier used in a cycling race to protect riders from a collision

A SAFER FUTURE

The partnership between Cycling Flanders and Boplan highlights the importance of safety in sport. This expansion of safety measures comes at a time when there is an increasing focus on protecting young athletes and promoting a healthy and safe sporting environment.

Cycling Vlaanderen remains committed to improving the conditions under which cyclists practice their sport, and is grateful for the efforts made by Boplan. Together, they are building a safer future for cycling.

REACTIONS OF PARTNERS

"We are delighted to further expand our partnership with Boplan," said Bruno Eulaerts, CEO Cycling Vlaanderen. "The safety of our riders and especially that of our youth is of paramount importance. The additional Race Bumpers enable us to offer the best possible protection and minimise accidents. We would therefore like to express our thanks to Mr Xavier Ramon, CEO Boplan, and all his staff who are helping to ensure that we are already taking important steps in terms of safety."

"At Boplan, we are proud to contribute in this way to safe cycling in Flanders," said Xavier Ramon, CEO Boplan. "Our mission has always been to put safety first and by deploying our products at youth races of Cycling Flanders, we are making a direct contribution to the well-being of young athletes."