Vuelta in Netherlands?
 

I'm sure there is some logical explaination, however why is the Tour of Spain starting in the Netherlands? Some throw back to colonial era?

cause they can. There is also talk of starting the TdF in Dubai or something like that.

Nederlands and Germany send a lot of tourists and pensioners to Spain... follow the verdes.

Its common for the tours to dip into other countries. Its probably more unusual for one of the grand tours to stay entirely within the home country.

I could see dipping into France, or Portugal, or heck, even North Africa - but the netherlands seem to be beyond "dipping" distance. lol

Anyways, just thought I'd ask.

The TDF had a prologue in London one year.

yes.

My Dutch friends vacation in Italy and Spain frequently.

Vuelta start in Assen
 

A Dutch politician from the region (Drenthe) the vuelta started this year was a big fan of cycling. He had good contacts in Spain. It is ment as a promotion for the region. The choice for the Vuelta was simple. The TdF was probably too expensive and is already in the Netherlands (Rotterdam) next year. The Giro start was already organised by Groningen (just 25 km to the north of Assen) in 2002.