Podium opts for cycling

For next year's Podium Organization will first focus on competitive cycling. There were many requests for new events received following the successful games last year. For cycling, but actually for skating, one must come in time with the game plan. And since communication with the KNSB (because inline skating) has not led to any result, the visor on the cycling oriented.

In any case, in 2012 eight Podium cycling races in the "Podium formula" (circuits with ambiance and excellent prices and premiepot) on the calendar. Even though there is a plan for reaching a new cycling classic.

Organizing skating events will be temporarily put in the refrigerator. An interview with director KNSB Koops on the future of skating has also yielded no further. KNSB want for herself all stay in control, even making plans (supplied by others) and Podium can not wait. The disappearance of the skating races are probably for competitive cycling more features free, such as a lucrative overall ranking for this competition cycle.

Podium deplores the state of play of the inline skating, but I find it irresponsible to temporarily re-take risks without any backing or compensation from the responsible skating federation.

Seizoen 2012

What went on before

In the winter of 2007/2008 Podium was approached by a number of Directors of the then-SBN (skate board). Because of various circumstances, there was the certainty of continuity no longer be guaranteed and they sought help. The 2008 fixture list had been made, but the SBN expected that the internal problems continue purchasing these games would compromise. Podium was prepared for the financial risk and the organization for at least three years of all Skeeler Races on the road, including the Dutch Championships, to take over. Without going into further detail, this contract was terminated after one season and took the fusion partner of the SBN, the KNSB, the race organization in the hands.

Requests

In the past two years Podium was the skaters often approached with a request to again organize games remaining. Everybody recognizes that in recent years increasingly thinner in the World Skeeler. Every year there are fewer (road) races on the calendar with the result that also the platoon ever smaller. Costs (license and registration fee) weigh far outweigh the supply of matches. This year, the first step Podium put through an additional three races on the calendar to set. The purpose of these matches to see if indeed the spirit of riders to the events of Podium. In addition to her experience Podium like to possibly refine next year a new series of competitions.

Evaluation

The reactions of the drivers, the skaters, are certainly heartening. Podium has been approached by several local committees to talk about future cooperation and have already reported some sponsors for next year. The conclusion is that there is sufficient support for the skating calendar to expand. But it must first be evaluated with various parties, including at least the KNSB. All stakeholders will fully support the new initiatives should be. Principles for Podium are certainly setting, advertising, audience and riders. Because skating has all the makings of a big sport in the Netherlands can be.

We will all developments in the near future to continue to report this page.