Cycling event in Flanders promotes resilience and support for terrorism victims this weekend

A solidarity cycling event linked to the Tour of Flanders this Easter weekend will draw attention to the long-term impact of terrorism and the need for better support for victims, organisers say.

The Together Stronger ride, organised in collaboration with Flanders Classics, is held alongside We Ride Flanders, the amateur version of the iconic race. With this year’s edition marking the 10th anniversary of the Brussels attacks, the focus is shifted even closer to home.

The initiative was founded by Aristide Melissas, a survivor of the 2017 New York terror attack. He and his family were seriously injured in the incident, which continues to shape their lives nearly a decade later.

“Very quickly after, and in a very logical way, society moves on,” Melissas says. “But it's a struggle to understand that the consequences are lifelong.”

He described the complexity of recovery as going far beyond physical injuries. “There is a physical problem, a financial problem, an emotional and relational problem, and then comes the psychological problem,” he said. “And for that, there is no manual.”

The Together Stronger foundation uses sport as a way to promote resilience and raise funds for victim support. Participants take on a symbolic physical challenge, reflecting the long and often difficult recovery process.

“Sport encourages resilience,” Melissas says. “It increases your capacity for healing. Through sport, we can create a societal win-win in reference to aftercare.”

The ride also aims to highlight gaps in long term assistance for victims of terrorism. On the 10th anniversary of the Brussels attacks, Melissas said authorities have acknowledged shortcomings in support systems.

“They need to gear up to the fifth gear,” he said, calling for more efficient and centralised care for terrorism victims.

Organisers hope the event will encourage both public engagement and financial support for the organisations working with victims. Funds raised are redistributed to associations that work in recovery programmes for victims.

The message is both personal and universal. “What would you do if, in a fraction of a second, you lose everything?” Melissas said. “It can happen to any one of us.”

Despite the challenges, the initiative carries a message of hope.

“Hang in there. You will have your down moments, but never give up on your hope,” Melissas says, addressing other victims.

He also callq on the wider public to engage in the cause. “Open up your heart,” he adds. “Together Stronger is a noble cause.”

The Together Stronger ride is open to amateur cyclists and takes place on Saturday 4 April, one day ahead of the professional Tour of Flanders race.

Photos: ©Together Stronger