OUDENAARDE, Belgium (AP) — Tadej Pogačar is among the riders being investigated for running a red light at a railway crossing during the Tour de Flanders on Sunday.
Pogačar, who won the race for a record-equaling third time, was in a group of riders who went through the crossing without stopping. The majority of the peloton behind them had to stop before the railway.
Belgium officials confirmed Monday there is an ongoing investigation for the riders who allegedly ran the red light. They said no further details were immediately available.
Local media said the riders could face a fine and a driving suspension if found guilty.
Pogačar, who rides for the UAE Team Emirates-XRG team, reportedly said after the race that the signal for them to stop came in too late.
Race officials ordered the riders who went through to slow down so the rest of the peloton could catch up to them again.
Also known as De Ronde (The Tour), the Tour of Flanders is one of cycling’s most challenging one-day races and was first held in 1913. This year’s 278-kilometer (172.7-mile) route featured 16 short but punishing climbs and several cobblestone sections.
The race is one of the “monuments” of cycling — the five most prestigious one-day events in the sport — along with Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Giro di Lombardia.
AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling
Netherland's Demi Vollering , center, celebrates after winning the Tour of Flanders cycling race, in front off France's Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, left, and Netherland's Puck Pieterse in Oudenaarde, Belgium Sunday, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar crosses the finish line to win the Tour of Flanders cycling race, in Oudenaarde, Belgium Sunday, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar crosses the finish line to win the Tour of Flanders cycling race, in Oudenaarde, Belgium Sunday, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Tom Fitzgerald is out as general manager of the New Jersey Devils, the latest NHL team to make an abrupt late-season change in the front office or behind the bench.
Co-owner David Blitzer announced Monday that a decision had been made for Fitzgerald to leave the organization. Fitzgerald had been GM since January 2020 and got the title president of hockey operations early in 2024, along with a contract extension.
“Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,” Blitzer said. “Tom changed the trajectory of our team here, including setting a franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a well-respected leader across the Devils’ organization and NHL, and I am grateful for our friendship."
The 57-year-old Fitzgerald was responsible for building much of the core of the roster around top picks Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, who were drafted when he was an assistant to Ray Shero. He endured criticism in recent months and years for signing players to contracts with restrictive no-trade clauses and for extending goaltender Jacob Markstrom early.
“After talking with David Blitzer, it was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team,” Fitzgerald said. “The Devils are fortunate to have a core of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal. I’ve always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem, and I’m proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination."
New Jersey made the playoffs twice in the five seasons with Fitzgerald in charge, losing in the second round in 2023 and bowing out in the first round last year.
“As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans: I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve and I understand and share in your frustration,” Blitzer said. "This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again.”
Fitzgerald, who was part of USA Hockey's management group that constructed the roster that won gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics, could immediately become a candidate for one of the other GM vacancies around the league. The Nashville Predators with Barry Trotz retiring and Toronto Maple Leafs after firing Brad Treliving are currently searching for a new head of hockey operations.
“I am incredibly appreciative to David, Josh Harris, and the entire New Jersey Devils organization for being a part of my life for the past decade," Fitzgerald said. "I look forward to the next step in my hockey career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.”
Fitzgerald spent time in Nashville and Toronto during his playing career. He was the first captain of the Predators, wearing the “C” from 1998-02 while Trotz was coaching the team and played two seasons with the Maple Leafs from '02-04.
After going into management, Fitzgerald was director of player development when Pittsburgh won the Stanley Cup in 2009. He joined the Devils in 2015.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25), Timo Meier (28) and Luke Hughes (43) celebrate their win over the Montreal Canadiens in an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Sunday, April 5, 2026. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)
