Intention to extend cooperation between Terneuzen, Zeeland and Scheldeprijs
During a press event on the occasion of the 111th Scheldeprijs, the oldest Flemish spring classic, the municipality of Terneuzen and the province of Zeeland announced their intention to extend their cooperation beyond 2023 by 3 years.
Since 2018, the Scheldeprijs has departed from Terneuzen, just across the Belgian border in the Netherlands. From there, in previous editions, the peloton of the men’s race raced across Zeeland, in a battle with the wind, towards the Belgian border for a finale in and around the traditional finish in Schoten. This year will be no different, even more so. There is currently the intention among all parties to extend the cooperation beyond 2023 for a further 3 years.
"We are of course enormously pleased that Terneuzen and Zeeland share our positive view of this story", says Flanders Classics CEO Tomas Van Den Spiegel. "Terneuzen and Zeeland, with their unique character, have contributed to building the identity of the Scheldeprijs. Since 2018, wind and echelons have been inextricably linked with the oldest Flemish spring classic. With the traditional finish in Schoten, we are very much looking forward to continuing to write this exceptional sporting story together."
Jack Vissers, chairman Scheldeprijs: "With the start in Terneuzen and the passage through the beautiful Zeeland, our race is not only internationally coloured, but also contains all the ingredients for a sprint classic, so that only the strongest and fastest legs are fighting for the victory."
With the start in Terneuzen and the passage through the beautiful Zeeland, our race is not only internationally coloured, but also contains all the ingredients for a sprint classic, so that only the strongest and fastest legs are fighting for the victory
Laszlo van de Voorde, Alderman for Sport municipality of Terneuzen: "We are proud that we, the municipality of Terneuzen, will continue to be part of this sporting event in the coming years. This kind of event inspires, because that is what top sport does. It inspires people to be active themselves. And that is also what we want from our Sports Agreement. By extending our cooperation, we underline our ambition to continue on course as a sport municipality. It also puts us on the map as a city on the Scheldt. We are delighted to welcome cycling enthusiasts from all corners of the world who want to witness the start of this great and enthralling spectacle!"
Zeeland’s Provincial Representative Jo-Annes de Bat is pleased with the cooperation: "We reinforce each other and need each other. As far as I am concerned, the Scheldeprijs is honouring its name with the start in Terneuzen and the passage along the banks of the Scheldt. After the recent editions, I think that we can conclude that we also add something in a sporting sense with the infamous Zeeland wind. Zeeland is a cycling province and cherishes its cycling past. I invite everyone to come and experience it for themselves."
