Dutch road races under threat with national ban on using local moto police

Dutch police block streets during the 2021 Amstel Gold Race in Valkenburg
Dutch police block streets during the 2021 Amstel Gold Race in Valkenburg (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

The Dutch cycling federation (KNWU) is bracing for an even worse shortage of motorcycle police to control events on open roads that threatens the racing calendar after the National Police abruptly decided to prohibit local motorcycle officers from being deployed to control traffic for cycling events.

Dutch races typically employ a mix of specifically-trained (C2) and regional (C1) officers to secure road race courses. The National Police opted to ban the use of C1 officers. According to a press release by the KNWU, the decision will likely force organisers to changed dates or cancel races altogether, since it will exacerbate an already severe shortage of trained motorcycle officers.

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.