NATO summit jeopardizes Dutch cycling season
- A NATO summit is scheduled in The Hague next June.
- The Dutch cycling federation reports a lack of motorcycle police for races from January to August 2025.
- The federation aims to implement civilian controllers to mitigate the impact on the cycling calendar.
The Netherlands is facing major disruptions to its renowned cycling season due to a NATO summit scheduled for June 24-26, 2025, in The Hague. This summit will bring together heads of state from NATO member countries, requiring extensive security measures and a significant police presence. As a result, the Dutch cycling federation has announced that from January to August 2025, there will be insufficient availability of motorcycle police to supervise the many cycling races that occur during this period. The federation cited a growing concern over the diminishing number of specialized motorcycle police officers over the past years, leading to the reduction of police-escorted competitions. The federation director, Maurice Leeser, expressed deep disappointment over the situation, stating that with only eight months remaining in the usual cycling season, major events such as the Amstel Gold Race could face serious challenges due to lack of police escorts. This prestigious race is well-known and attracts top athletes; any disruption could have significant repercussions not just for local cycling events but for the sport’s reputation overall. In light of this, the Dutch cycling federation is exploring alternative solutions, such as deploying civilian motorcycle traffic controllers to fill in for the lacking police presence. They are urging the Dutch ministries to provide necessary resources and guidelines to facilitate this change. Despite the hurdles presented by the NATO summit, the federation remains committed to finding a workable solution that enables competitive cycling events to proceed as scheduled. The situation reflects broader issues affecting sporting events in the Netherlands, where competition for resources—particularly police services—is becoming more intense. Following five years of reductions in police-accompanied cycling competitions, the federation is under pressure to adapt to the changing landscape, all while aiming to preserve a vibrant and active cycling culture that is deeply ingrained in Dutch society.