Organizers of the Dutch National Road Championships adjusted event schedules in Gelderland on Saturday, June 27, 2026, due to an extreme heatwave and incoming severe thunderstorms.
The Royal Dutch Cycling Union reinstated its traditional multi-day setup this year despite weather challenges.
Record Heat and Storm Warnings
Meteorologist Floris Lafeber from Weerplaza reported that eastern Gelderland recorded a record-breaking overnight temperature of 21.8 degrees Celsius, while urban areas stayed above 23 degrees Celsius.
Daytime temperatures fluctuated between 30 and 36 degrees Celsius across the region.
According to gld.
nl, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute issued a code orange warning for Saturday evening due to anticipated severe thunderstorms.
The storms are expected to bring large hail measuring 2 to 5 centimeters, wind gusts up to 100 kilometers per hour, and localized rainfall of 20 to 40 millimeters.
Earlier Time Trial Modifications
The extreme heat previously forced organizers to modify Wednesday's time trial program in Laren.
The time trial events, which were pushed back from 2025 due to a police shortage during a NATO summit, concluded with Daniek Hengeveld winning the elite women's category and Huub Artz securing the elite men's title.
"Wij vinden het echt ontzettend zonde dat ons programma, dat helemaal in de steigers stond, nu aangepast moet worden.
En we balen ook voor de renners die te maken krijgen met grote wijzigingen," said Jessica Postel, speaking on behalf of the organization.
Road Race Adjustments
Despite the ongoing weather alerts, dozens of volunteers continued setting up the road race course in Nijmegen on Saturday.
Sunday's elite men's road race will start early at 09:30 hours to avoid broadcasting conflicts with the TT Assen, followed by the elite women's race at 14:15 hours.
The women's road race features a challenging 10.7-kilometer local lap through Nijmegen and Berg en Dal, accumulating over 1,800 meters of elevation gain across ten laps.
The route features prominent climbs on the Van Randwijckweg and the steep Oude Holleweg before finishing on the Kwakkenberg.
Wider Disruptions in Gelderland
The adverse weather conditions caused widespread disruptions across Gelderland beyond sports, leading to the cancellation of an outdoor orchestra concert in Elburg.
Local emergency services also responded to multiple heat-related incidents, including a fatal drowning in the Waal river near Tiel.
"Door de hoge temperaturen zijn de omstandigheden niet verantwoord voor musici, crew en publiek.
We vinden het ontzettend jammer, maar veiligheid en gezondheid gaan voor," stated the organization of Orkest De Ereprijs.
Pet Safety Advice
Local veterinary clinics reported an influx of inquiries regarding pet safety in the heat, prompting advice from medical professionals.
Emergency services also deployed a truck to spread salt on roads in Arnhem to protect melting asphalt infrastructure.
"Als schapen hijgend in de wei staan is dat niet altijd problematisch. Als het dier op zijn poten staat is er niet veel aan de hand.
Door ademhaling kan het warmte kwijt.
Als een dier hijgend op de grond ligt moeten mensen zeker bellen," stated a veterinary assistant from 't Holland Dierenartsenpraktijk.
The veterinary staff emphasized the importance of minimizing animal transportation during extreme weather conditions to reduce stress.
They also warned owners to protect outdoor rabbits from maggot infestations and to monitor dogs near strong river currents.
"Wij adviseren mensen vooral om hun boerenverstand te gebruiken. Ga niet te lang met je hond wandelen.
Als je hond wil zwemmen, zorg dan dat hij niet overenthousiast raakt en keihard gaat rennen. Dan kan hij daarna namelijk oververhit raken.
Laat je hond niet in de rivier zwemmen in verband met de stroming. Je wilt niet dat je hond in de problemen raakt.
Zorg dat konijnen die buiten verblijven goed afgeschermd zijn ivm madenziekte. En overleg voordat je naar de praktijk gaat goed met de dierenarts.
Verplaatsing van je huisdier kan namelijk ook stress veroorzaken en dat wil je in deze hitte ook niet," added the veterinary assistant.
Sunday's Elite Women's Race
The elite women's road race on Sunday afternoon will see defending champion Lorena Wiebes and teammate Mischa Bredewold from SD Worx-Protime compete against a strong Visma-Lease a Bike lineup that includes Marianne Vos and newly crowned time trial champion Daniek Hengeveld.
