The 15th edition of the Dorenze Acht van Westerveld was cancelled on Friday due to extreme weather conditions throughout the Netherlands. Unseasonably cold weather, snowfall, and strong winds forced organizers to cancel the race after the first two laps of the shortened and rerouted course in Dwingloe.

According to the race jury, it was not their responsibility to continue the race due to the snow and therefore it was decided to neutralize the peloton as they crossed the finish line of the circuit race after two laps of racing.

Drense Acht van Westervelt as well as the Paris-Nice organizers were forced to scale back and cancel the sixth stage from Toulve to La Collet-sur-Loup due to severe winds. The organizers of the Tirreno-Adriatico also had to shorten the summit finish of stage 5 to Sassotet due to strong winds.

In Dorenze Acht van Westerveld, where the women's peloton lined up in a cold wind, organizers had already shortened the original 141 km route by 50 km to take place instead on an 8.7 km circuit around Dwingleu.

However, when snow began to fall, organizers first had to cancel the event.

Organizers stated that team management was understanding of the decision to cancel the event, despite the mixed feelings of some peloton members who wanted the race to continue and others who agreed with the decision to cancel.

Race organizers also noted that due to the cold conditions, several riders had to be assisted off their bikes from the team vehicles in search of warmer winter clothing.

Race organizer Femmy Van Ism said he was sorry the event was canceled, but that he was in agreement with the race judges and local authorities.

"Some riders thought it was nonsense and applauded, but if you think the judges and police are no longer responsible, then of course we agree. Let's hope for tomorrow. I sincerely hope the race will be "normal." There may be alternative routes."

The weekend's races also include the Women's World Tour, Ronde van Drenthe (152.7 km from Emmen to Hoogeveen), which takes place on Saturday at 1 pm CET.