World Ports Cycling Classic to held over two days
According to Dutch media sources, Tour de France organisers ASO will run a new two day race from 2012 onwards. Called the World Ports Cycling Classic, the 2.1-ranked race will begin in Rotterdam on August 31st and travel to Antwerp via the provinces South Holland, Zeeland and North Brabant. The following day, it will return to Rotterdam via Antwerp, North Brabant and South Holland.
The race is in part inspired by the start of the 2010 Tour de France, which began in Rotterdam and saw finishes in the Netherlands and Belgium. “In many ways, Le Grand Départ did us a lot of good,” said Rotterdam sports minister Antoinette Laan, according to Wielerland.
“Soon after the Tour we started to see it if it was possible to organize a cycling race between the two ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. I love the fact that it was successful. The organization of this cycle race will mean that Rotterdam is once again on the map as an attractive sports and event city.”
A press conference is scheduled to take place on November 16th.
Meanwhile ASO has today confirmed that the presentation of next year’s Tour de France will be held in Paris on October 18th. Full details will be announced then of the 2012 route.