On 14 September, the second oldest long distance triathlon in the world, Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, will host a full field of world-class athletes competing over 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run for the prestigious title of Europe Triathlon Long Distance Champion.
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam has consistently ranked among the world’s top ten fastest races. Last year, Menno Koolhaas (NED) set a new course record of 7:36:36, which athletes will aim to beat this year. Florian Angert (GER), Jesper Svensson (SWE), and Joshua Lewis (GBR) are key contenders. Angert is making his Almere debut, while Svensson, who finished second at the 2021 World Championship here, is also a strong athlete as the third fastest man ever in Almere. Local favourite Milan Brons (NED), with a personal best of 7:48:46, and fellow Dutchman Pim van Diemen, who recently became Dutch Champion over the middle distance, are also in contention. Other notable names include Lukasz Wojt (DUI), probably the strongest swimmer in the field, and Jorik van Egdom (NED), a Tokyo Olympian making his long-distance debut.
In the women’s race, last year’s runner-up, Marlene de Boer (NED), fresh off wins in Sweden and Poznan, is eager to claim victory at home. She’ll face tough competition from Michelle Vesterby (DEN), who is racing professionally for the last time and wants nothing less than a victory. Other strong contenders include South Africa’s Magda Nieuwoudt, winner of the 2023 Challenge Family World Bonus, and Lina Kristin-Schink (GER), who is already well-known in Almere. French athlete Camille Deligny is also seen as a dangerous outsider.
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam will take place from 12-14 September. On Saturday, September 14, the Europe Triathlon Long Distance Championship and the Open Series Middle Distance will take place. Mayor Hein van der Loo will start the elite women’s race at 7:10 a.m. local time and the elite men’s race at 7:25 a.m. local time. The entire race will be broadcast live and for free via www.challenge-family.live and national television. Around 3,000 athletes will participate in the event, supported by 800 volunteers. For further information, visit www.challenge-almere.com.
