Netherlands 04 Apr 2026 Class 1.2 – 1 day – Class 2
Website www.voltanxtclassic.nl
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The NXT Classic (officially the Volta NXT Classic, and historically known as the Volta Limburg Classic) is a prominent one-day road cycling race held in the Limburg province of the Netherlands.
While the men’s race has a deep history dating back to 1973, the women’s event is a more recent addition that has quickly gained prestige, particularly with its elevation to UCI 1.2 status.
Evolution of the Women’s Race
The women’s race was established to provide a high-level competitive counterpart to the men’s “Hell of the Mergelland.”
- Inaugural Edition (2017): The race debuted as a national-level event. The first winner was Canadian rider Karol-Ann Canuel, representing the Boels–Dolmans team.
- The Limburg Terrain: Unlike the men’s route, which often covers a massive point-to-point style trek, the women’s race typically utilizes a challenging circuit around the town of Eijsden. The route is famous for its narrow, winding roads and short, punchy climbs characteristic of the South Limburg landscape.
- Rebranding to “NXT”: In 2024, the race officially changed its name from the Volta Limburg Classic to the Volta NXT Classic. This change coincided with a push to modernize the race’s identity and increase its international profile.
Move to UCI 1.2 Status
A significant milestone occurred in 2025 when the race was officially added to the UCI International Calendar with a 1.2 classification. This upgrade allowed professional continental teams to participate, significantly raising the level of competition.+1
Recent Winners & Notable History
The race has become a proving ground for Dutch cycling talent, with home-grown riders dominating recent years.
| Year | Winner | Team | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Karol-Ann Canuel | Boels–Dolmans | First ever winner of the event. |
| 2019 | Demi Vollering | Parkhotel Valkenburg | Early career win for the future world #1. |
| 2020–21 | Cancelled | — | No race held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| 2024 | Femke Markus | SD Worx–Protime | First win under the “NXT” branding. |
| 2025 | Femke Gerritse | Team SD Worx | First winner of the official UCI 1.2 edition. |
| 2026 | Vanderaerden Anna | Fenix-Premier Tech Development Team | April 4, 2026, marks the 8th edition for women. |
The “NXT” Significance
The “1.2” in your query refers to the UCI Category 1.2, which denotes a one-day race (1) of the second category (.2) within the Continental Circuits. This classification is vital for teams looking to earn UCI points and for young riders aiming to jump to the WorldTour level.
The race remains a favorite for fans because of its accessibility; the start and finish lines in Eijsden offer multiple opportunities to see the riders throughout the day.
