Toekomst Ronde van Ilpendam onzeker: organisatie zoekt opvolgers na zonnige editie

The Ronde van Ilpendam enjoyed another successful day this Whitsun weekend. Under glorious weather conditions, participants enjoyed cycling, walking, and inline skating during the fourteenth edition. Yet, a shadow hangs over the event: next year, at the fifteenth edition, the curtain threatens to fall. Organizers Anja Walter and Diana Dekker look back with pride on the past years. For Walter, it was the fourteenth time she had been involved in the organization. “Especially with this weather, it is simply wonderful,” she says. “You head out with pleasure and see that everyone is enjoying themselves. That makes it absolutely worthwhile.” Nevertheless, Walter and Dekker have decided that the fifteenth edition will be their last. “We notice that we ourselves are ready for something different during Whitsun,” Dekker explains. “Additionally, many of our volunteers are getting older and people are leaving. Finding new recruits is difficult, while there is a lot of work involved, especially in the preparation.” According to them, organizing the event requires a great deal of dedication. “Everyone always says it’s such a fantastic event,” says Dekker, “but there really is an enormous amount of work behind it.” The organizers hope the event won’t disappear and are making an appeal to residents of Ilpendam. Walter: “If people would enjoy taking it over, please get in touch with us. You can participate for a year and we will help you get started.” The fifteenth edition will certainly be a special conclusion. For instance, the puzzle hunt is returning, a feature that was missing this year due to a lack of time. “We will include the puzzle hunt again for the final edition,” confirms Walter. For both organizers, saying goodbye also means making room for other plans. Walter is looking forward to participating herself: “Cycling or walking, or perhaps standing along the route as a volunteer. I’ve never done that before.” Dekker mainly wants to spend more time with her family. “With two young children, it is sometimes difficult to combine. The Whitsun weekend is actually a great time to get away together or to participate yourself.” It remains unclear whether the Ronde van Ilpendam will continue after next year. Without a new organization, a beloved tradition in the village threatens to come to an end after fifteen years... despite the success of the sunny fourteenth edition. Those interested can contact the organization via [email protected].