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.
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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.
