After captivating crowds in Turku, Finland with Red Bull Rautaratsu, and in Gothenburg, Sweden with Red Bull Tandemkampen, Red Bull Stalen Ros has proudly returned to its home turf in the Netherlands for a second edition.
On September 7th, some 12,500 enthusiastic visitors gathered in The Hague to witness 38 duos tackle the fun-filled yet challenging Red Bull Stalen Ros water-based course. The event, once again, blended competitive spirit with artistic creativity, and paid tribute to the iconic “Steel Horse” – the bicycle.
More than just a race, Red Bull Stalen Ros embodies Dutch culture, making it one of the most anticipated cycling events in the region.
Red Bull Stalen Ros is not your typical cycling event. It’s a vibrant celebration of speed, style, and creativity. Competitors ride vintage or custom-built bikes, often exhibiting quirky and imaginative designs that turn heads. It’s a chance for participants to strut their stuff with their cycling skills, artistic expression, and innovation. Picture a parade of colourful, eccentric bikes whizzing by – each one showcasing its rider’s personal flair. The event’s lively, festival-like atmosphere makes it a visual and sporting feast.
This year’s competition unfolded on a thrilling water-based course along the historic Prinsessegracht in The Hague, where 38 pairs raced their self-designed bikes down an 80-metre stretch, aiming to reach the bell as fast as possible. The course featured narrow passages, a drawbridge, a traffic circle, cobblestones, and inventive obstacles, all of which challenged the teams’ agility, ingenuity, and strategic thinking. Not all participants stayed dry; several teams fell victim to the tricky narrowing section and traffic circle, taking an unexpected dip in the canal and adding extra ‘coolness’ to the hot day.
The contest wrapped up with team De Goudzoekers taking top honours with their imaginative pedal-free bike, impressing the jury with both pace and design. Seven teams managed to make it to the bell. Team The Mirrorers set the fastest time of the day at 10.93 seconds and managed to stay in the hot seat until the event’s conclusion. The jury, consisting of former cyclist Roxane Knetemann, Olympic 3×3 basketball champion Worthy de Jong, and presenter Kalvijn, judged each creation for creativity and performance.
-The Dutch expression “Stalen Ros,” translating to “Steel Horse” or “Iron Steed,” is a traditional term for “bicycle” with deep cultural significance in the Netherlands. This evocative nickname highlights the bicycle’s role as a reliable and essential mode of transport, much like the function of horses before the advent of automobiles. The reference to steel or iron links to the materials used in early bicycles, underscoring their durability and robustness, and allows for a parallel between the sturdy nature of horses and the enduring construction of bicycles. This expression embodies the Dutch blend of practicality and emotional connection to their bikes, illustrating how bicycles have become a fundamental part of Dutch culture.
In the Netherlands, a nation often celebrated as the bicycle capital of the world, cycling is deeply woven into daily life from childhood through old age. Unlike in many countries where cycling is primarily a recreational activity, bikes in the Netherlands are indispensable for practical purposes such as commuting to work and school, running errands, socialising, and enjoying family outings. This extensive use of bicycles is supported by an exceptional infrastructure that encourages biking at every turn and reflects the Dutch commitment to freedom, sustainability, and active living.
Historically, bicycles were crucial during and after World War II, providing critical mobility in a time of fuel shortages, and quickly becoming symbols of resilience and resourcefulness. Post-war, they were central to rebuilding efforts, and have continued to embody Dutch values of tradition and innovation.
As Red Bull Stalen Ros concludes its latest chapter in the Netherlands, it transcends being merely an exciting and fun race. The event celebrates the deep connection between the Dutch and their cherished “Steel Horses,” illustrating how this relationship has shaped national identity, and continues to drive innovation in one of the world’s most bike-friendly nations.
The 80/20 Snapshot:
- Thrilling Course: The event unfolded along the Prinsessegracht in The Hague, featuring a challenging 80-meter water-based course with obstacles like a drawbridge, cobblestones, and a traffic circle.
- Top Performers: De Goudzoekers won with their pedal-free bike design. Team The Mirrorers set the fastest time of the day at 10.93 seconds, impressing the jury.
- Cultural Significance: The term “Stalen Ros,” meaning “Steel Horse,” highlights the bicycle’s historical role as a reliable and essential mode of transport, similar to the role horses played before cars. It reflects Dutch values of durability and practicality, underscoring how bicycles have become deeply ingrained in Dutch culture.
- Cycling Tradition: In the Netherlands, cycling is integral to daily life, supported by exceptional infrastructure and embodying values of freedom, sustainability, and active living.
Header image: Suske en Wiske are seen during Red Bull Stalen Ros 2024, The Hague, The Netherlands on September 7, 2024. Credit: Marcel van Hoorn / Red Bull Content Pool
