The legendary Formula 1 track at Spa-Francorchamps is going under tough times. The ban on cigarette advertising in Belgium, along with the global expansion of Formula 1 to places such as China and Bahrain leaves the Belgian circuit in schedule limbo.
The Spa circuit may not be on the F1 schedule regularly in the future, so track owners are trying to extend the track’s use to other sports. The biggest cycling event they could host on their own would be the World Championships. Much like the course at Zolder where Mario Cipollini won in 2003, they are both F1 racing circuits. Spa, however is not flat as the famous “Eau Rouge” gives a roller coaster effect to F1 drivers as they speed through it’s undulations. Pro cyclist will probably not get that same effect. Climbers or power riders would be favored to win on the Spa circuit.
Spa was the scene of a Tour de France stage finish back in the 1989 with Raul Alcala taking the win.