The BAS ruling the Meeusen case has also affected Sunweb Napoleon-Games. Gianni Vermeersch and Tim Merlier are suddenly no longer guaranteed as spot on the Belgian roster for the Worlds and now need to prove themselves in Sunday’s World Cup race in Hoogerheide. "But we can understand the BAS decision," they say.

Earlier this week neo-pros Gianni Vermeersch and Tim Merlier were on national coach Rudy De Bie’s list for the Worlds in Tabor. But due to today’s decision by the Belgian Court of Arbitration for Sport BAS one of the two Sunweb riders is likely to miss out on the race.

"As long Meeusen and Sweeck are not guilty, I think that they belong to the World Championships. There is no discussion about that. So I understand the decision but on the other hand it is very unfortunate for Merlier and Vermeersch," said manager Jurgen Mettepenningen to Sporza.

"Both riders are doing well, last Monday they were 100 percent sure of selection and now they must prove themselves again. If they both end up missing out on selection, I would find it inappropriate."

Merlier and Vermeersch have done hard training in recent days but it may all have been for nothing.  "Our trip was arranged by the federation, but our entourage, supporters and family have invested a lot of money," he says.

"We had booked hotels and flights, purchased winter tires... For one of us, it is a waste of money. It is also a sad fact that we will have to compete against each other for the last Worlds spot."

"When last Monday I heard that I would go to the Worlds, it was one of the best moments of my life,” Vermeersch told Sporza. “I had always dreamed about that. Now it is suddenly no longer certain. I understand that Meeusen needs to ride but for me personally it is bad news. Hoogerheide is a cross full of stress and that's not ideal. I find it harder to deal with pressure than others. I have to stay as calm as possible. "
 

“It is normal for them to select Meeusen,” Merlier said. “His season was much better than ours. As long as there is no evidence against him, he should get his chances. Gianni and I may oay for that but I don’t lose any sleep. In Hoogerheide, I will try to find the feeling of the last few races and finish as close as possible to the best. I hope for a fair race.”