National coach Rudy De Bie wants that the Belgian riders can prepare peacefully for the World Championships. "With such a big group of riders, you need to make rules. I don't want to see anyone who shouldn't be here. That also goes for the team leaders."

In his diary on the website of the Royal Belgian Cycling Federation De Bie makes it clear what the riders can do and can't do before the Worlds. "When you're together with such a big group of riders, you need to make some rules.

"Each rider knows where he or she has to be for the next few days. Everyone was presented with the same code of conduct, a document that had to be read and approved with the signature of the riders."

Rest is very important in the build-up to a World Championships race. De Bie hopes that the introduction of these rules will keep his riders protected from the outside world. "If a rider wants to see a team leader, he has to make an appointment in the lobby or in the bar."

There is no room for family members in the bedrooms of the riders. "I don't want to see anyone who does not belong there. This applies mainly to family and friends of our young riders. The family usually creates stress for these young riders. Stay away until after the race, please."

This morning the riders flew to Tabor. A first pre.ride of the course is planned for today between 14 and 16 local time.