The cyclocross world championships in Ostend are expected to be held this weekend despite an outbreak of the so-called South African form of the coronavirus in the Belgian coastal resort.

According to Belgian media reports, 15 people have been infected with the more infectious COVID-19 strain in the past few days. Ostend Mayor Bart Tomelain suggested Sunday that the World Championships be canceled, sparking panic and disappointment.

However, he backtracked somewhat on Monday, suggesting that the outbreak was limited and that racing could continue on Saturday and Sunday.

The UCI has already cancelled the junior races, but the men's and women's elite and under-23 races are still scheduled; as part of the 20-page COVID-19 protocol, athletes, team staff, media, and all persons authorized to participate in the races must present documentation that they have a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

"Many test results indicate that the situation is not as bad as feared. In other words, there is no possibility of a major outbreak," Tommelein told Het Laatste Nieuws (opens in new tab) on Monday.

"Together with Ben Waites, the Flemish Minister of Sport, and the UCI, we can assume today that the World Championships will take place.

Local police will be working to stop fans from approaching the World Championships course, including the Ostend Beach lap course.

"As Mayor, I ask that you stay away from the venue. The police will ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists are not allowed around the course on the beaches, embankments, and roads," Tommelein stated.

The race will be televised.

World Championships Organizing Committee Chairman Rick DeBoasert confirmed that the situation will be evaluated daily and that the rules for who can participate in the event will be further tightened.

"Everything is organized according to the rules for COVID-19. Everyone - riders, entourage, journalists, staff, etc. - will be subjected to the PCR test. The number of people entering the circuit is also reduced to minimize the number of people entering the circuit as much as possible. It is safe," he told Het Nieuwsblad (opens in new tab).

"Despite not being allowed to host spectators or VIPs, we wanted to continue because we love the sport, and it would be a shame to see four years of work go to waste."

"We are very happy with the results," he said.

On Saturday, Seylin del Carmen Alvarado of the Netherlands will defend her title in the elite women's event, while Belgium's Wout Van Aert and his eternal Dutch rival Mathieu Van der Pol will clash in the elite men's event on Sunday.

The cyclocross season has been held safely over the winter, with spectators carefully limited or banned altogether.

"I don't see why the World Championships can't be held. Of course, I am trying to be optimistic. I have worked intensively for the World Championships and it is very sad," said Van Aert, who won the final round of the World Cup series in Auverisse, near Brussels, on Sunday.

"What about the possibility of cancellation? We have already shown that it is possible to race throughout the season. Tough measures are being applied and everyone is contributing to that."

Van der Pol agreed with his competitors.

"I am not a politician, but there is no reason to cancel. We are racing in a closed space. Everyone there has to have a negative PCR test," van der Pol said.

"There hasn't been a single positive case this winter, at least not that I know of. That means it can be done safely.