"Everyone knows how to organize a competition better": Tour of Holland director hopes to avoid mistakes in future

Tour of Holland made its international debut last week. The new stage race in the Netherlands brought about a ray of hope in a country that has been struggling organization-wise lately with a fresh breath of air. Not everything went perfectly over the week, but generally speaking the race has been a success and will aim to return on the calendar with many more editions in the years to come.

"We've definitely heard from the teams that things need to be improved," race director Roxane Knetemann says about the criticism of the race's first edition on the In het Wiel podcast.

The 2025 edition of the Tour of Holland was also a big debut for the organizing party that has come together with limited experience. The 6-day stage race was ultimately cut down to just five stages with Friday's stage cancelled as riders refused to race due to safety concerns caused by multiple cars entering the course.

But Knetemann tries to see the cup half-full. "That's the great thing about organizer TIG Sports & Events. They're also eager to get that feedback. They also indicate that this is their first time doing this and therefore need feedback from the teams."

The amount of criticism from people who have never tried to organize a race themselves appeared funny to the Dutchwoman. "I find it really funny: cyclists and the cycling world are, of course, incredibly conservative. Everyone knows better," she says. "Everyone knows how to organize a competition better than anyone else. Of course, they don't all do it, but they all know better. That makes me laugh."

Knetemann was more concerned about one complaint than the other. "I sometimes sigh when I hear that. I think, 'Yeah, there's another one of those who thinks the hotels are just 20 minutes too far from the start or finish.' But luckily, Niels Markenstijn (of TIG Sports & Events, ed.) handles that very well."

According to Knetemann, criticism is part of the game, but teams also need to show understanding for the organization's hard work. "It's also good that I'm somewhat detached from that," she says confidently. "Because sometimes I think: guys, guys, what a pain. Take a little responsibility for yourself and be a little grateful. But that's also partly my fault now," she finally calls herself to a halt.

"Because I see how hard so many people are working. And then, of course, you sometimes lose sight of the bar you need as an organization to grow."