The Hague will be the setting for the start of the Eneco Tour on Tuesday, October 13. From Sportcampus Zuiderpark, both male and female cyclists will begin a spectacular 3.1-kilometer evening prologue. It is a first: not only is it the first time that women are starting in the Eneco Tour, but they will also be starting alternately during the time trial in The Hague. Prior to the professional race, Edwin van der Sar, Richard Krajicek, Viggo Waas, and Lucinda Brand, among others, will be in action during the celebrity prologue.
The evening prologue in The Hague marks the kick-off of six days of cycling spectacle throughout the country. The men’s and women’s races are held on the same day and over the same course during every stage. This all comes together during the opening in The Hague: starting at 6:00 PM, the female and male professional cyclists depart alternately from Sportcampus Zuiderpark, a unique event.
Hague cyclists take to the course
The Hague cycling community will also have a place in the program. Prior to the prologue, women’s cycling community KEK and cycling club Trias will ride a time trial on the official course with their own members. This makes the start of the Eneco Tour not only a top international sporting event, but also a moment when cyclists from The Hague are part of the race themselves. The Hague Cycling Alliance will also gather prior to the start. In this network, committed residents of The Hague and organizations dedicated to cycling in the city meet to exchange knowledge and inspiration and forge new connections.
Nur Icar: ‘Everyone participates’
Alderman Nur Icar (Sport): “Next week, not only will the best cyclists ride through The Hague, but residents of The Hague themselves will also be allowed onto the course. As far as I am concerned, sport is not just something to watch; it must also bring people together and invite them to participate. The fact that men and women will start alternately here makes this opening extra special. Everyone participates, and everyone gets the same podium.”
The public is welcome at the free Cycling Festival in the Zuiderpark starting at 4:00 PM. Visitors can view the team buses, participate in cycling activities, enjoy music, and grab a bite to eat and a drink at the food trucks, among other things. The pros will start their prologue at 6:00 PM. Admission to the event is free.
After the opening in The Hague, the Eneco Tour continues through the Netherlands, with stages in Ede, Tilburg, Sittard-Watersley and Hoogeveen (VAM-berg), and the finale on Sunday, October 18 in Arnhem.
Practical information
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Cycling Festival: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Celebrity prologue: 16:30 – 16:50
Start of Eneco Tour prologue: 18:00
Location: Sportcampus Zuiderpark and Zuiderpark
Admission: free
More information about the program and activities: denhaag.nl/enecotour
Information about accessibility and closures: bereikbarestad.denhaag.nl/enecotour
Text : Gemeente Den Haag, translation to English The Hague Online, with AI assistance and human editor
Image: Gemeente Den Haag: Ardooie – Belgium – wielrennen – cycling – radsport – cyclisme – Peter Sagan (Slowakia / Team Tinkoff – Tinkov) pictured during Eneco Tour stage -3 – UCI World Tour) from Blankenberge to Ardooie – photo Miwa iijima/Cor Vos © 2016