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Tour of the Netherlands Cycling Race Set to Return After 20-Year Hiatus
AMSTERDAM, [Date] – The Tour of the Netherlands, one of the most storied cycling races in the history of the sport, is poised to make a triumphant return to the professional cycling calendar following a 20-year absence. Organizers are working tirelessly to secure the race’s inclusion in the 2025 calendar, marking a significant milestone for the Dutch cycling community and global fans of the sport.
The Tour of the Netherlands, affectionately known as the Tour of Holland, was last held in 2004 when Erik Dekker claimed the title. Since then, the race has been a cherished memory for many cycling enthusiasts, and the prospect of its return has generated immense excitement.
Niels Markensteijn, managing partner of TIG Sports, the organization leading the initiative, expressed his optimism about the race’s revival. The Netherlands is still a great cycling country, Markensteijn said. We are all on our bikes; our cyclists deliver top performances, and we notice that in the conversations we have. There is definitely a need and interest.
TIG Sports has been actively engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including the Visma-Lease a Bike, DSM-Firmenich-PostNL, and the KNWU (Royal Dutch Cycling Union). The KNWU has supported the proposal, and the race is currently being considered for inclusion in the October 2025 calendar.
The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) is expected to announce the final calendar for the upcoming season at the end of this month in Zurich. Sources indicate that the Tour of Holland’s inclusion is a near-certainty, with Markensteijn referring to it as a formality.
The Tour of Holland will be structured with a prologue and five stages, each taking place at various locations across the Netherlands. All stages will be circuit races, which organizers believe will reduce logistical challenges and enhance the race’s accessibility to fans. Markensteijn explained, By not riding in ribbon stages from A to B, but on local circuits, we make it easier. We also think it is more attractive to the public. It is more fun if you see the riders pass by more than once.
The Tour of Holland is set to be categorized as a 2.1 event, the third level of multi-day competitions featuring professional teams. The organizers have ambitious plans for the race’s future, aiming to elevate its status to the World Tour level in the coming years.
As the Tour of Holland approaches its official debut, organizers will focus on securing sponsorship and engaging with local governments to determine the best locations for the race’s stages. The event is expected to attract a global audience, showcasing the rich cycling culture of the Netherlands and providing a platform for emerging talents.
For further information and updates on the Tour of Holland, please visit [Website URL].
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