Cycling Events & Culture in the Netherlands

Cycling isn’t just a sport in the Netherlands—it’s part of everyday life. With more bikes than people and 35,000 kilometers of bike paths, the country is both a global cycling capital and a stage for world-class races.

On race days, villages and cities come alive: pelotons sprint past canals and cobbled streets, locals line the roads with flags and cheers, and finish lines turn into lively celebrations. Whether you’re watching the Amstel Gold Race in Limburg’s rolling hills or riding the Elfstedentocht route through Friesland’s historic towns, the atmosphere is electric.

Even on a self-guided cycling holiday, you’ll often cross paths with the spirit of Dutch cycling culture. The hum of riders on dike-top paths, the stop at a cyclers cafe for apple pie, or the ring of bells from fellow cyclists—it all adds to the sense of being part of something bigger.

Highlights at a Glance:

• Amstel Gold Race – the most famous annual cycling classic in the Netherlands and the only Dutch one-day race in the UCI World Tour
• Dutch National Championships – June showcase, hosted in rotating regions
• Tour of Drenthe – cobbles, keien, and a WorldTour women’s race
• Eleven Cities Bicycle Tour – Friesland’s legendary 11-cities challenge
• Dutch Headwind Cycling Championships – Zeeland’s quirky headwind championships
• Dam tot Dam FietsClassic – festive ride linking Amsterdam and Zaandam

Breakdown of the Events:

1. Amstel Gold Race (April, Limburg)

Participation Type: Professionals (UCI WorldTour) + Amateurs (Toerversie)
When: April
Where: Limburg province, centered around Valkenburg and the Cauberg climb

The Amstel Gold Race is the Netherlands’ most iconic road race, featuring short but steep climbs through Limburg’s rolling countryside. 

Thousands of amateurs ride the same course in the Toerversie the day before, creating one of Europe’s largest cycling weekends. Fans line the roads with banners and music, giving the event a festival atmosphere that blends elite racing with mass participation.

2. Dutch National Championships (June, rotating)

Participation Type: Professionals (road, time trial, and other categories)
When: June
Where: Rotating locations across the Netherlands

Each summer, the Dutch National Championships decide who will wear the red-white-blue jersey for the year. The course changes annually, showcasing everything from the flat windswept dikes of Zeeland to the hilly circuits of Limburg. 

For travelers, it’s a rare chance to see the country’s cycling stars race on familiar roads while also exploring different Dutch landscapes.

The Dutch National Championships rotate location each year, so if the timing and region align with your trip, we can flexibly add this event to your itinerary.

3. Eleven Cities Bicycle Tour (May/June, Friesland)

Participation Type: Amateurs (open to all)
When: May or June
Where: Friesland, through the 11 historic Frisian cities

Inspired by the legendary ice-skating marathon, this event takes riders through Friesland’s “Eleven Cities” on a 235-kilometer loop. 

With over 15,000 participants each year, it’s one of Europe’s largest amateur cycling events. Villages erupt into celebration as cyclists pass, creating an unforgettable blend of endurance challenge and regional pride.

The Eleven Cities Bicycle Tour can be added to the Holland Family Bike Tour, giving you the chance to ride or watch this famous Frisian cycling tradition.

4. Dutch Headwind Cycling Championships (Autumn/Winter, Zeeland)

Participation Type: Amateurs (open, extreme conditions)
When: Autumn or winter, only held during strong coastal storms
Where: Zeeland, Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier

This quirky Dutch championship turns a national nuisance—headwinds—into sport. Participants ride upright single-speed bikes straight into gales exceeding 70 km/h, along the exposed storm barrier in Zeeland. The event is announced just days in advance, making it a true test of grit, humor, and Dutch cycling culture.

For those seeking a quirky Dutch challenge, the Headwind Cycling Championships in Zeeland can be included as part of the Amsterdam to Bruges Cycling Tour.

5. Dam tot Dam FietsClassic (September, Amsterdam–Zaandam)

Participation Type: Amateurs (open to all)
When: September
Where: From central Amsterdam to Zaandam and surrounding countryside

One of the Netherlands’ most festive cycling events, the Dam tot Dam FietsClassic brings thousands of riders together on car-free roads. The 40–145 kilometer routes link Amsterdam’s historic center with scenic Waterland polders and finish in lively Zaandam. 

The atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, making it an ideal event for casual cyclists and families.

The Dam tot Dam FietsClassic can be included on the Lake Yssel Road Cycling Loop, offering a festive, family-friendly ride from Amsterdam to Zaandam on car-free roads.

6. Tour of Drenthe (March, Drenthe)

Participation Type: Professionals (UCI Women’s WorldTour) + Amateurs (various supporting events)
When: March
Where: Drenthe province, including cobbled roads and rural landscapes

Often called the “mini Paris-Roubaix,” the Ronde van Drenthe is famous for its rough cobblestones and narrow rural roads. 

The women’s WorldTour race attracts top international teams, while amateur cyclists can test themselves on similar routes during side events. The atmosphere blends professional prestige with grassroots energy, making Drenthe a lively stage for early-season racing.

If you wish to spectate or even take part in side events, the Tour of Drenthe can be added to the Holland Family Bike Tour for a unique cycling experience.

7. Four Days of Cycling Festival (Summer, Nationwide)

Participation Type: Amateurs (open to all, family-friendly)
When: Various dates across spring and summer
Where: Different host towns each year, including South Holland provinces

The Fietsvierdaagse — or “Four Days of Cycling” — is a non-competitive cycling festival held in multiple regions of the Netherlands. Riders of all ages and abilities join daily routes ranging from short family rides to longer tours through the countryside and villages. 

The atmosphere is festive, with checkpoints, local food stalls, and community celebrations along the way.

If your trip coincides with one of the South Holland editions, we can include this event in your Highlights of South Holland Tour.

Other Cycling Events Worth Mentioning:

• Tour of Drenthe Men’s Race (March): A UCI Europe Tour event that runs alongside the women’s WorldTour edition, featuring cobbles, wind, and tactical racing.
• Ride for the Roses (September, rotating locations): A large-scale charity ride founded by Johan Cruyff, drawing thousands of participants each year.
• Fjoertoer Egmond (October, North Holland): A unique evening cycling and walking event along the coast, lit by torches, lanterns, and creative light installations.

Cycle Holland, On and Off the Racecourse

Holland lives and breathes cycling — from everyday commutes through Amsterdam’s canals to world-class races in Limburg and Friesland.

Whether you’re eager to plan your holiday around the buzz of a major event or simply soak up the local culture at a slower pace, the Dutch cycling spirit is always present.

Explore our Cycling Holidays in Holland and discover routes that combine cultural highlights, natural scenery, and the unmistakable atmosphere of the world’s cycling capital.