Proximus 'Event Reservation' ensures critical communication during Flanders Classics races

With the support of partner Proximus, Flanders Classics can rely this spring on 'Event Reservation' to facilitate communication between the peloton and the race control centre. This technology reserves part of the available mobile network capacity for crucial race communication. It marks a new step in the safety measures implemented during Flanders Classics races.

Effective safety measures rely on transparent and clear communication. Not only are the correct indications and signalling crucial for the riders, but communication between the race caravan and the race control centre is also an absolute priority.

“It was with the latter that we were in danger of getting stuck,” explains Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics. “Our race control centre is the central hub where all information from the race comes together, including the monitoring by the federal police. But the connection from that epicentre to race management and our safety team along the course is not always easy. Large crowds along the course using the same mobile network can lead to congestion at certain critical points. We are very pleased that, thanks to Proximus, we can now use 'Event Reservation', which gives priority to our mission-critical communication on the mobile network and thus ensures the connection between all actors."

'Event Reservation' is a pre-slicing technique on the 4G network. The application allows part of the available network capacity to be reserved for essential communication. The technology has already been successfully used during Omloop het Nieuwsblad, In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, and Dwars door Vlaanderen, and will also be deployed during the Tour of Flanders, Scheldeprijs, and De Brabantse Pijl.

Safety is therefore an absolute top priority for Flanders Classics. Over the years, the organiser has steadily developed its safety strategy. Integrating the way-in/way-out system for the mobile signallers has been one of the steps taken; working with Boplan has become standard practice and the race control centre has been a fixture in the organisation for a number of years.

Kris van Cauwenbergh, Network Expert Proximus NXT: “We are extremely proud to support Flanders Classics in ensuring safety on and around the course. With ‘Event Reservation’, we secure crucial race communication, even during peak network usage. In a race where every second counts, Proximus ‘Event Reservation’ makes sure that safety never has to wait for connectivity.”