Worlds next month - where to go?

thegreatdivide

We’re thinking of heading over next month for a hit-and-run visit. Does anyone have a link to the course profile? We need to work out where to go. I’ve been to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Den Haag many times (all legit thank you very much) but have no idea about the south east of the country.

greasedscotsman

http://www.limburg2012.nl/section.php?s ... ms_id=home

chrisday

Been a couple of times to Amstel Gold and would recommend what I'd always done - stay in Maastricht (some nice bars etc), see the Depart, then grab a local train from there to Valkenberg, and let the monstrous levels of drinking commence. It's an atmosphere like nowhere else I've been for a pro race, and would expect it'll be much the same for the Worlds. Feels kind of like Oktoberfest, through which a bike race accidentally happens to pass.
(Obviously, I'm talking about the Road Races here, not checked the TT course - am guessing it doesn't finish on the Cauberg!)

FJS

Agree, stay in Maastricht - nice and compact historical university city, lots of quality restaurants and good bars.

Valkenburg itself is normally a bit of a tourist-trap, but will be packed on race day. Expect lots of Dutch cycling fans, but even more Belgians coming across the border. It could be difficult to get a spot on the Cauberg itself unless you're there very early, but there's 1.5 km after that to the finish - probably a good place to be.
If you bring a bike, lots of climbs from Amstel Gold Race and LBL within a day riding

thegreatdivide

Thanks folks. Sadly no bikes on this one. It’ll be an Easy Jet flight from Edinburgh to Schiphol then grab a fast train down to Maastricht. Back home on the Monday.

pottssteve

I live in Maastricht, so feel free to ask some questions!

All the races finish in Vlit, about 1.5km from the end of the Cauberg. The men's RR starts near Maastricht and includes loops that touch the edge of the city. However, Valkenburg is really the centre of things but, as people have sadi, it will be rammed. My advice would be to book accommodation (asap) in Maastricht and get the train to Valkenburg to see the finishes. You could consider renting a car, then you'll be able to get to more of the parts of the rides like TT and TTT easily as these start further north in Sittard and Heerlen.

Steve