The World Ports Classic will disappear in its current form. The expiring contract between the city of Rotterdam and Tour de France organizer ASO will not be renewed. Rotterdam hopes to make the event continue as a one-day race.

After the successful Grand Départ in 2010 Rotterdam and Tour organizers ASO joined forces to organize a two-ay stage race between the port cities of Rotterdam and Antwerp. In 2010, an agreement was signed for four years. Disappointing earnings from sponsorship funding means that a new agreement won’t be made.

Topsport Rotterdam which in recent years organized the race with ASO, is currently investigating the possibility to host a one-day race. "It will be known as World Port Classic with no s because it will only include one port,” said Hans Zouethoutmaar from Topsport Rotterdam told WielerFlits. "The chance depends on sponsorship. We are currently in talks with a number of sponsors. We hope to make decisions in a positive way.”

According to the current plan, the World Port Classic remains an international competition with a UCI 1.1 status. The final route is still under consideration but it is clear that it will pass through the Rijnmonds port area. The start and finish will remain on the Rotterdam peninsula of Katendrecht. The place on the racing calendar (May 21-22) will be retained.