15th edition Drenthe Eight of the Westerveld was canceled due to extreme weather in the Netherlands on Friday. Unseasonably low temperatures, snowfall and wind forced the organizers to stop the race after the first two laps of the shortened and modified course in Dwingeloo.
In the opinion of the race jury it was not a responsibility to continue the race because of the snow and so it was decided to neutralize the peloton when they crossed the finish line of the circuit race after two laps of the race.
Drentse Acht van Westerveld was not the only race canceled due to extreme weather in Northern Europe. Paris-Nice organizers were forced to shorten and then cancel Stage 6 from Tourva to La Colle-sur-Loup due to strong winds. In addition, the organizers of Tirreno-Adriatico shorten the summit finish to Sassotetto on stage 5 due to strong wind.
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Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico stages shortened due to strong winds
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At Drentse Acht van Westerveld, the women’s peloton lined up in cold and windy conditions, and the organizers have already shortened the original 141km route by 50km and shortened the route to instead take the 8.7km circuit around Dwingeloo.
However, as soon as it began to snow, the organizers first neutralized the event, and then completely stopped it.
The organizers said that the team’s management was sympathetic to their decision to cancel the event, although the members of the peloton caused mixed feelings: some wanted to continue the race, while others agreed with the decision to stop.
Race organizers also noted that due to the cold conditions, some riders had to be helped off their bikes in search of warmer winter clothing from the team’s cars.
Femmi van Issum, the race organizer, said she was disappointed that the event had to be cancelled, but she agreed with the race jury and local authorities.
“There were riders who thought it was nonsense and applauded it, but if the jury and the police think it is no longer responsible, of course I agree. Now fingers crossed for tomorrow. I really hope that the race will go “normally”. Perhaps there is an alternative route.”
Race weekends include the Women’s World Tour. Guided tour of Drenthe Saturday at 13:00 CET. from 152.7 km from Emmen to Hoogeveen.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
