It is quite likely that the 3^rd Tour of the Green Heart (Ronde van het Groene Hart) on March 22 next year will not be held. This would be a big disappointment for the Organisation Board, which is looking back to 2 successful races of this Dutch classic for professional riders in the Dutch Randstad (within boundaries of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht).

The 200 km long race has been initiated as a promotional event for the Green Heart and was supported so far by a broad squad of authorities (National Government, Provinces, Steering Committee Green Heart and many municipalities) as well as trade and industry.  The Tour was unique as the entire race with start in Zoetermeer and the finish in Woerden was broadcasted live by SBS6.

Paul Nouwen, President of the Board stated: "We have come indeed to a crucial phase and the continued existence of the Tour is seriously testified. As a result of the current economic climate many companies, including those who were active as sponsor, keep their pockets closed. If we do not find a new title sponsor for the race within the next 2 weeks the Tour of the Green Heart has to be cancelled. This including the cultural program we have developed with a literal festival, a book trade market, a recreational and tourism weekend, and a culinary event.

But the inspired Chairman stays optimistic: "I have been, in my many duties at various organisations, more often in similar situations and at the very last moment there was a sponsor who made it possible to survive. Not only in terms welfare, but also because the event created a lot of sponsor exposure, so there was an economic return on investment".

Leiden, 28 december 2008

For additional information please contact:

Mr Herman Brinkhoff, tel. + 31 71 5230559 / + 31 653751372 or mailto: hfbrinkh@worldonline.nl