More starting places, interactive elements and free participation and breakfasts. A lot of thought is being given to the new edition of the Drentse Fiets4Daagse – and not without reason. Because the event has existed for 60 years and has a new chairman.
“It was a surprise that I was asked to do it, but I didn’t have to think about it for very long. I have cycled a lot myself and I know the event from Diever,” says Alfred Schoenmaker, the new chairman of the Drenthe. Fiets4Daagse. “I got excited really quickly.”
Schoenmaker, also known as an alderman in the municipality of Westerveld, has taken over the duties from Jan Broertjes, who had had enough after 10 years. “He indicated that it would be nice to see how we can take the event further in the future. For example, what elements can be added. And then fresh blood can help. There is certainly a challenge ahead of me, but that is possible. definitely succeed.”
Additional motivation for Schoenmaker is that the Drentse Fiets4Daagse has existed for 60 years this year. “We can be proud of this anniversary, we are the oldest in the whole of the Netherlands. It is a very nice moment to be handed over the baton. We are now in discussions to see what extra touch we can add.”
“For example, we are talking about how people aged 60 can participate for free,” Schoenmaker reveals. “We are also looking at offering a free breakfast and adding interactive things. The enthusiasm in the organization is very high, but there are now so many ideas coming up that we still have to see what is possible. .”
Last year, the Drentse Fiets4Daagse aimed for 6,000 participants, but that was just not achieved. Schoenmaker hopes to get more people cycling this edition, from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 July. “I would like to see us expand the number of starting places. How great would it be if we could add four to six places.”
“The event is already very well known, but in my opinion it could still be promoted more widely across Drenthe. You should not only participate for the sake of participating, but also be proud that you want to participate,” says Schoenmaker. “My intention is to make the event as great as it has ever been.”