This year, Challenge Almere-Amsterdam celebrates the 35th edition of the Holland Triathlon! The race began in Kijkduin (the Netherlands) in 1981, and has been organized in Almere since 1983. Many successful athletes have participated in the long distance Holland Triathlon during its rich history. Top-athletes like Gregor Stam, Axel Koenders, Rob Barel, Chrissie Wellington, Yvonne van Vlerken, and Gerrit Schellens have raced in Almere in the past. In total, €50.000,- will be divided amongst the winners in 2015, attracting yet again a diverse field of competitors. Interesting fact is that many professional athletes return after a previous visit: it is clear Almere’s race suits them!
This year we’ll see the return of the German winner of last year. Markus Fachbach chooses to defend his title in Almere instead of defending his European title during the European Championship held during the same weekend. In Almere he will have to face two other former winners: Dirk Wijnalda will aim for his third victory in Almere and ‘Little Georg’ Potrebitsch will try to gain the title again after his victory in 2009.
Amongst the ladies, much is expected of the winner of 2009 and 2010: Irene Kinnegim from Voorschoten (the Netherlands). She’ll be up against competition from German Kathrin Walther, who showed everyone to be quite able to cope with the flat course of Almere, Canadian Brooke Brown, winner of the long distance triathlon in Vitoria (Spain) this year, and Beate Goertz from Germany who won the Challenge Denmark last june.
The pride of Almere will be defended by Thomas Naasz during his tenth subsequent race in Almere. He would like to crown his race history with an excellent performance amongst the international contenders. At the end of this summer we will know which other professional athletes will join this field of competitors.
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam 2015
These top-athletes will race together with one thousand other athletes on September 12th 2015. They will challenge themselves and the elements of the polder of Flevoland during the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. The long distance triathlon consists of a 3.8 km swim course, a 180km bike course, and a 42,2km run course. The race takes place 4,5 meters below sea level. Besides the long distance triathlon, athletes will also compete in the half triathlon, Business4Tri, TriTogether, and Para-Triathlon. Other races take place on Friday and Sunday, like the Junior Challenge, Senior Challenge, Business & Family Relays, and the Dutch Premier League.