This Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race has had it’s first break regarding the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier in southern Iceland, when government officials decided to allow helicopters needed for the Television broadcast to fly. Flights around northern Europe have been grounded due to the cloud of volcanic ash looming above.
“We hope to get dispensation, though I realize that the Amstel Gold Race is not a matter of national interest,” van Vliet was quoted before he had heard the good news.
Not only do the helicopters film overhead footage for the event, but they are also used to relay the signal from the motorcycle cameras used on the ground. Organiser Leo van Vliet requested special permission from the Minister of Transportation in a effort to make sure Holland’s spring Classic received full television coverage.
According to Sportweek, the Mayor of Valkenburg, whose city hosts the finish of the race, helped to deliver the request to officials.