Oldest Triathlon of Europe - City of Championships
Almere is a renowned name in triathlon history. After Hawaï, The Holland Triathlon is the oldest Triathlon in the World. Almere is the home of the Dutch triathlon sport, with a large Training Club, a Regional Training Centre for talented youth and many individual athletes. Striking winners were pioneers as Axel Koenders, Gregor Stam but also Gerrit Schellens, Frank Heldoorn and Joe Skipper. Yvonne van Vlerken, Heleen bij de Vaate and Chrissie Wellington were on the podium in recent years. Several European Championships and World Championships were held in Almere. The fastest race, finishing in 7 hours and 55 minutes, was realized by Jaroslav Kovacic in 2018. Yvonne van Vlerken holds the current race record at the Womens’ side in 8 hours and 51 minutes, set in 2017.
The Almere course is located 4.5 meters below sea level: at the bottom of what was once the Zuiderzee (South Sea), just 25 kilometers from capital Amsterdam. Still surrounded by water characterizes itself through the dikes, windmills and endless straight polder roads where you can’t hide for the winds! The battle with the elements is a battle with yourself.
In 2012, the 30th anniversary of the race led to a facelift. The start and finish location were moved to the new city center. The swim bike and run course start and finish all on the Esplanade – square to the central lake, on the edge of the curved surface of the futuristic shopping center. Simultaneously with the competitions cultural festivities take place in the city center. Another reason why you want to experience the atmosphere of Almere. So, Challenge Almere, Challenge yourself!
Also Middle Distance Open series available on same day.

COURSE
SWIM
Water temperature: approx. 18-19 degrees C
Number of laps: 2
Start Mechanism: water mass wave starts
Conditions: fresh water lake in the city centre, excellent quality

BIKE
Number of laps: 2
Flat course, passing by a nature reserve and along dikes, polder is 4,5 meters below sea level, might be windy

RUN
Number of laps: 6
Flat course, around the lake and the city centre

2019 Almere-Amsterdam ETU Challenge Long Distance Triathlon European Championships