Hofstade world cup moves to Heusden-Zolder

The world cup round held in Hofstade, Belgium, on December 26 will move venues for this year's edition. Heusden-Zolder, home of the famous motor racing circuit and scene of the 2002 road world championships, will host this popular event.

The move has caused friction between the event's organising committee and BLOSO (Commissariaat-Generaal ter Bevordering van de Lichamelijke Ontwikkeling, de Sport en de Openluchtrecreatie), the Belgian Flemish sports and recreation agency. The issue has been debated in the Flemish parliament, with Sports Minister Bert Anciaux explaining he has no control over the decisions of BLOSO.

Pro Cyling, the non-profit organisers of the Hofstade event, has been accused of incompetence by BLOSO, a statement which naturally upset that organisation. The latter group outlined the fact that its races, held in Hofstade since 2001, have attracted up to 20,000 spectators during the festive season while enjoying live broadcast on Eurosport.