This weekend, the spotlight is on Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, which hosts the European Championship Long Distance. With 50 professional athletes on the start line, Europe’s oldest long-distance triathlon promises an unforgettable race.
Among the men, Britain’s Will Draper (GBR), who comes into Almere in strong form after multiple podiums this season, including victory at Challenge Samarkand just two weeks ago. This will be Draper’s debut over the long distance.
Another name to watch is Sweden’s Robert Kallin, known as one of the strongest riders on the circuit, who may even target Andrew Starykowicz’s 2023 bike course record of 4:02:12.
Adding depth to the field is Serbia’s most decorated triathlete, Ognjen Stojanovic, bringing experience from podiums at Challenge Cesenatico, Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria, and Challenge Samarkand.
The home crowd will also have plenty to cheer for with a strong Dutch contingent, including Pim Van Diemen, Milan Brons, Tristan Olij, and others.
In the women’s line-up, three clear frontrunners emerge: Els Visser (NED), Marta Lagownik (POL), and Daisy Davies (GBR).
Visser is a familiar face in Almere, having claimed both the race win and European title in 2023. After missing last year, she has marked her return in 2025 with clear intent.
Lagownik and Davies will both make their full-distance debuts. Lagownik has already impressed this season with two victories and two additional podiums, including a win at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria. Davies, meanwhile, has shown consistency with wins at Challenge Wales and Challenge Vieux Boucau in 2024, alongside a second-place finish at this year’s The Championship.
Other strong challengers include Simona Krivánková (CZE), Gabriele Maria Obmann (AUT), and Vanessa Pereira (POR), all capable of upsetting the podium favourites.
Now in its 44th edition, Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is not only Europe’s oldest long-distance triathlon but also the second-oldest in the world. Racing begins on Saturday, 13 September, with the women starting at 7:10 am and the men at 7:25 am.
Live coverage will be available at www.challenge-family.live and on local television. For more information, visit www.challenge-almere.com.
