Yu Takenouchi is well-known in the world of cyclo-cross. For ten years, the multiple champion of Japan of has participated in many races in Europe and mainly finances his endeavors on his own. Unfortunately, as he arrived in Belgium at the Zaventem airport to participate in the Namur World Cup round this weekend, he was asked to take a return flight and return to his country. 

Takenouchi’s tourist visa only lasted for 180 days and the rider has spent 190 days on Belgian territory this season. 

"They sent me back and I cannot do anything," he told VTM News. “This problem with the tourist visa was known to me. I said that I had done nothing wrong and that I was just passing through Belgium but they said 'no'.” 

The Japanese embassy was not available at the time of Takenouchi's problem and he will have to skip the Namur round.