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Match-fixing has already been studied in various sport disciplines. However, despite some well-known incidents in road cycling, match-fixing has barely been investigated in this unique sport discipline. Drawing on Ashforth and Anand's theoretical model of normalization of corruption in organizations and on the perceptions of 15 active Belgian road cyclists, this study examines road cyclists' attitudes towards collaboration and match-fixing in their sport. As the culture of agreements can be seen as part and parcel of road cycling itself, this study also examines whether agreements between cyclists are embedded, perpetuated, and thus normalized in road cycling. Using semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study indicates that road cyclists have a different understanding of match-fixing. By demonstrating that (a) cooperation between competitors happens routinely, (b) cyclists use self-serving explanations to justify these collaborations, and (c) newcomers are induced to engage in and accept collaborations with their competitors, we also indicate how normalized behaviors contribute to a grey zone that can be labelled as match-fixing. To enhance the future credibility of road cycling towards both fans and sponsors, additional clarifying and awareness-raising policy measures should be implemented.

Community Sport Development Programs (CSDPs) that use an intersectoral capacity building approach have shown potential in reaching individuals in disadvantaged situations. This study has investigated how the application of capacity building principles in disadvantaged communities results in higher sport participation rates in these communities. A multiple case design was used, including six similar disadvantaged communities in Antwerp, Belgium; four communities implemented the CSDP, two communities served as control communities without CSDP. In total, 52 face-to-face interviews were held with sport, social, health, cultural, and youth organizations in these communities. Four key findings were crucial to explain the success of the CSDP according to the principles of capacity building. First, the CSDP appeared to be the missing link between sport organizations on the one hand and health, social, youth, and cultural organizations on the other hand. Second, shifting from a sport-oriented staff to a mix of sport staff, social workers and representatives of people in disadvantaged situations helped increase trust through a participatory approach. Third, CSDPs assisted sport clubs to deal with financial, organizational, and cultural pressures that arose from the influx of new members in disadvantaged situations. Finally, the CSDPs developed well-planned and integrated strategies focusing on reinforcing the existing local organizations already using sport to reach their goals. These capacity building principles were key in attaining higher sport participation for people living in disadvantaged communities.