“We have been working on that plan for years and now we hear just before the finish line that it is not going on,” responds a disappointed Richard Bak, chairman of the BMX association. “We also have to find another place within a year. The alderman promises to come up with solutions after the summer, so we have to wait for that.”
The choice to shoot the plan for an outdoor bike experience in Geestmerambacht, he thinks he is thoughtless. “As a sports club alone you are no longer strong, but with a multifunctional sports park, eleven associations can join forces to share costs and facilities. And you will perform an important social function in this cycling country.”
Which events?
In the argument that it would stand in the way of events, he cannot agree. “Festival organizers would not agree, but what will be organized there? The eleven associations will keep the complex occupied throughout the week, so you catch lease all year round. We also organize sporting events that the tourism sector benefits from. And we want to close a few weeks in the festival season.”
The uncertainty and the lack of alternatives in the neighborhood, such as the seriously outdated Sportpaleis, chases cycling athletes Noord-Holland, sees Bak. “If you are watching clubs, come up with solutions. All associations train for competitions, this is simply not possible. We see our top talents disappearing to Papendal. We want to keep training here.”
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