Lack of sponsorship threatens pre-Worlds event
One of the big events scheduled to take place prior to the world road race championships and using some of the same roads is under threat, with the prestigious Holland Ladies Tour looking doubtful for 2012.
The 2.2-ranked event has run since 1998 and has seen some of the top women’s riders take part, with Leontien Van Moorsel, Mirjam Melchers, Petra Rossner, Susanne Ljungskog, Kristin Armstrong and triple winner Marianne Vos all triumphing.
This year’s race had intentionally been designed to act as a worlds preview, with the final stage from Bunde to Berg en Terblijt using some of the circuit from the road race. It was also due to include a team time trial which would help teams prepare for the newly introduced trade team time trial at the world championships.
However according to Wielerland, the organisers have been forced to suspend planning for the race because of a lack of sponsorship. Race director Marten de Lange hasn’t given up all hope, but he concedes that he’s facing an uphill battle.
“There must be a miracle for this edition to go ahead but we’ll continue to search.” He said that the municipalities concerned have been told that there are big uncertainties.
The race was due to take place this year between September 4th and 9th. Stage details were announced earlier this month.
Holland Ladies’ Tour 2012:
Stage 1, September 4: Neerijnen – Neerijnen
Stage 2, September 5: Dronten-Dronten (TTT)
Stage 3, September 6: Leerdam-Leerdam
Stage 4, September 7: Zaltbommel – Zaltbommel
Stage 5, September 8: Bergeijk-Bergeijk
Stage 6, September 9: Bunde – Berg en Terblijt