CYCLING: Simac Ladies Tour 2.WWT 2025 (NED)

Netherlands 02 Sep – 07 Sep 2025 Class 2.WWT – Stages – UCI Women’s WorldTour

Website simacladiestour.nl and https://www.instagram.com/simacladiestour_official/

The Simac Ladies Tour is a premier women’s cycling stage race held annually in the Netherlands. Its history is characterized by its longevity, its importance in the women’s professional calendar, and its changing names due to sponsorship.

Founding and Early Years as the Holland Ladies Tour

The race was first established in 1998 under the name Holland Ladies Tour. It was created to provide a significant home stage race for the Netherlands, a country that has long been a powerhouse in women’s cycling. The race was founded on the idea that the country’s strong riders and teams deserved a showcase event beyond the many one-day races already held there.

The first edition was won by Dutch rider Elsbeth Vink, and it quickly became a staple on the international calendar, attracting top riders from around the world.

A History of Names and Sponsors

The race has undergone several name changes due to different title sponsors over the years. This can sometimes make it difficult to follow the race’s history as a single, continuous event, but the core race has remained consistent.

Holland Ladies Tour (1998-2010): The original name under which the race built its reputation.
Profile Ladies Tour (2011)
BrainWash Ladies Tour (2012)
Boels Rental Ladies Tour (2013-2019): This was a long-running and well-known sponsorship that helped to elevate the race’s profile.
Simac Ladies Tour (2021-Present): After a cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race returned with a new title sponsor, Simac.

A Showcase for the World’s Best

Throughout its history, the Simac Ladies Tour has consistently attracted the best riders in the world, serving as a crucial race in the lead-up to the World Championships, which are often held in September. The varied course—featuring a mix of flat, windy stages, undulating hills, and a decisive individual time trial—ensures that the winner is a well-rounded and deserving champion.

The race has been a key battleground for both Dutch and international cycling stars. Dutch riders have dominated the overall classification, with legends like Marianne Vos and Annemiek van Vleuten having multiple victories. Marianne Vos holds the record for the most overall victories with four titles.

Key Milestones

1998: The inaugural edition of the Holland Ladies Tour.
2009: The race was included on the UCI Women’s Road World Cup calendar for the first time.
2016: The race became part of the inaugural UCI Women’s WorldTour, solidifying its status as one of the most important stage races in women’s cycling.
2020: The race was cancelled due to the global pandemic.
2021: It returned as the Simac Ladies Tour.
2022-2024: Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes have been recent dominant winners, showcasing the race’s continued importance for top sprinters and all-around riders.