
Rotterdam Cycling Festival
SAVE THE DATE!
The Rotterdam Cycling Festival is the prelude to a possible Tour (Grand Départ) and the of the women’s tour (Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift) in the city. The two-day event runs 1 and 2July 2023 and is intended to promote cycling in Rotterdam policy: More cycling and road racing (both elite and recreational) equals more healthy exercise.
The diverse programme is accessible to everyone. It features, for example, L’Étape Rotterdam by Tour de France. There will be plenty of entertainment, various tours and a new women’s criterium and the Wendy & Leontien Ladies Ride. The Rotterdam Cycling Festival has everything it takes to become the biggest cycling festival in the Netherlands.
All about
cycling in
Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, we cycle a lot and we are very fond of cycling; it’s not for nothing that the Netherlands is known as the world’s number one cycling country. This website covers everything about cycling in Rotterdam. It contains all of the events and activities to inspire and motivate both the people of Rotterdam and its visitors as they strive to create a healthy and vital city. It outlines the plans for a new Grand Départ and the arrival of the Tour de Femmes avec Zwift. It also features a special school programme, the L’Étape Rotterdam by Tour de France cyclosportive and a clear cycling calendar.
My dream, my goal, my Tour
Rotterdam wants to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2024 or 2025. On Thursday, 6 May 2021, the bid book was presented to the organisation of the Tour de France, the A.S.O. (Amaury Sport Organisation). Rotterdam has organised the Tour start once before in 2010.


L’Étape Rotterdam by Tour de France
Editions of L’Étape by Tour de France are organised in more than 20 countries, from Brazil to Australia. The Netherlands will host the edition of L’Étape Rotterdam by Tour de France. This international event aligns perfectly with Rotterdam’s goal of promoting cycling; inspiring young and old and getting them moving as they enjoy the unique Tour de France atmosphere.

Rotterdam Cyling on Tour
Rotterdam on Tour is a school project that started last year. We visit schools in Rotterdam and introduce first-year students to cycling and the Tour de France. They can get on a bicycle in a special unit and experience a virtual ride of the time trial course for our dream Grand Départ 2024/2025.

Rotterdam Cycling Women's Criterium
On Sunday, 2 July we will hold an criterium for women on the RWC Ahoy cycling track. This is a significant step in keeping with the growing awareness for women’s cycling and one that will help us in terms of talent development for women’s cycling. It promises to be a magnificent event and is an excellent first step towards our goal of bringing the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to Rotterdam.
Tour de France Femmes
Rotterdam is a candidate to host the Tour de Femmes avec Zwift, with the hope of becoming the first foreign city to host this event. Hosting the Tour de Femmes avec Zwift in Rotterdam would be a nice overture to being home to the Grand Départ of the men’s Tour in 2024 or 2025.
