Rotterdam 6-Day was canceled two weeks before its scheduled start date as the Dutch government took steps to halt the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced on November 12 a three-week partial blockade following a new record of 20,000 new COVID-19 infections in a single day. Subsequently, the number of infections rose to 23,000 on November 22, double the peak of last December.

The measures resulted in restrictions such as a ban on spectator attendance at professional sporting events and bars and restaurants being forced to close at 8:00 PM.

Protests against the restrictions last week developed into what Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Ababaleb called an "orgy of violence," with the Associated Press reporting that Rotterdam police fired into the crowd, injuring two people and arresting 51 others.

Erika Bronhorst, manager of the velodrome Event Rotterdam Ahoy, which had planned to host Six Day, said that under the restrictions the event would not be possible. 'After the measures announced, we have reconsidered all possible scenarios,' she said. 'But with the current measures we are unable to host the event.'

"We have to make a decision to cancel the event. The construction of the event will start in a week and a half and we cannot wait any longer. Visitors, partners, and sponsors will be in uncertainty for far too long."

Organizers were in full swing preparing for Sixth Day, but Bronkhorst said, "This feels like a slap in the face, because until two weeks ago there was no question of canceling the event. This feels like a slap in the face, because until two weeks ago there was no way we could have even considered canceling the event," said Bronkhorst. We had a great event planned with strong participants, top Dutch sprinters, and a new rhythm with the final day on Sunday. Unfortunately, a responsible and complete version of the Rotterdam Six Day could not be held this year. But we are now looking ahead to 2022. [The UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Lucfen on December 18 may have to be held without spectators if the restrictions are not lifted.

COVID-19 infections have skyrocketed across Europe, with spectator numbers at last week's Ghent Six Day reduced and beer sales banned inside the velodrome.