The Royal Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU) was founded on 26 January 1928. The affiliated associations and foundations organise more than 700 competitions per year. Approximately 230 Dutch cycling associations and approximately 150 organising foundations are affiliated. Approximately 11,500 cyclists with a competition licence are members of the KNWU.

The KNWU has 16 disciplines: road cycling, track cycling, fixed gear, e-racing, cyclocross, gravel, BMX racing, pump track, bike trial, BMX freestyle, mountain biking, beach race, para-cycling, ID cycling, cyclobal and artistic cycling.

The Netherlands has hosted the professional road world championships seven times: Valkenburg aan de Geul in Limburg was the scene of the battle five times, in 1938, 1948, 1979, 1998 and 2012. In 1959, the men's races were held in Zandvoort aan Zee. And in 1967, the championships were held in the Limburg mining town of Heerlen.