Cyclists Detained at U.S. Border During Training Ride
Professional riders were held by border officials for several hours after attempting to enter the United States by bicycle.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cycling
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Professional cyclists Tiesj Benoot and Quinten Hermans were detained for several hours by border officials while riding from a team base in Bromont toward the United States border. The encounter, which required the athletes to complete additional paperwork, prevented their entry into the country.
Why it matters
The incident occurred as officials performed identity checks to determine if the cyclists were associated with organized cartels. This resulted in a significant disruption to the athletes' training schedule ahead of the World Championship road race.
The cyclists were held for 2 to 3 hours while officials conducted security screenings. Following their release, the duo completed a training ride covering 198km with 2,805 metres of climbing.
The players
Tiesj Benoot
Professional cyclist who placed 25th in the World Championship road race.
Quinten Hermans
Professional cyclist who recorded a DNF in the World Championship road race.
The details
The riders attempted to cross the international border on bicycles during a training session originating from a Belgian team base in Bromont. Officials stopped the athletes and required them to complete extensive paperwork, citing concerns over potential cartel activity. After being denied entry to the United States, the cyclists returned to Canada.
Timeline
September 2026: The training ride and border incident occurred before the World Championships.
Late September 2026: The detention took place shortly before the professional competition.
Health Landscape
This event highlights the complex logistical demands placed on professional athletes as they prepare for the 2026 World Championship road race. These requirements emphasize how travel security protocols can impact the intense training loads needed for endurance sports.
International athletes should always verify current entry requirements and travel documentation before planning training routes that span national borders. It is advisable to consult with team management or local authorities to ensure compliance with security protocols.
The takeaway
Maintaining a rigorous training schedule requires awareness of local travel regulations that can disrupt planned physical activity. Always ensure that your planned route avoids restricted areas or requires specific documentation for entry.
Further reading
For more information on the challenges of training during international competition, visit Cycling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cyclingnews.
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