Following Challenge Almere-Amsterdam’s hosting of the Europe Triathlon Challenge Long Distance Championships – in short, the European Championships Long Distance Triathlon – for the past three years, the race organization and Europe Triathlon announced today that the European Championship over the Long Distance next year will take place in Almere as well. A letter of intent was also signed to host the European Championship in 2026, 2027 and 2028 as well. In addition, Rabobank will commit to the race for three more years and the prize money for professional athletes will be increased by 25 percent to a whopping 50,000 euros.
“These are wonderful steps for us as an event,” Event Director Jefry Visser says of all the developments. “At a time when the triathlon market is in a state of flux, it is nice to see confirmation once again that our race is relevant and to have the certainty that in the next years we will again have the world’s top athletes racing in Almere, all of whom will compete for European titles over the classic distance of 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180 kilometers of biking and 42.2 kilometers of running. In recent years we have seen unprecedented battles between the biggest names within our sport and we are going to see the same in the coming years.”
Also pleased with the choice for Challenge Almere-Amsterdam to host the Europe Triathlon Challenge Long Distance Championships, is Europe Triathlon President Renato Bertrandi. “We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Challenge-Family, the city of Almere, and the Dutch Triathlon Federation. The 2025 Europe Triathlon Challenge Long Distance Championships Almere-Amsterdam represents a collaboration rooted in excellence and shared values. Together, we aim to deliver an extraordinary experience for athletes and spectators alike, showcasing the rich heritage of long-distance triathlon in one of Europe’s most iconic venues.”
Increased prize money
With the commitment of most likely multiple European Championships, Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is immediately increasing prize money to a whopping 50,000 euros; a 25 percent increase. “We believe it is important to offer professional athletes the opportunity to make a living from their sport. By increasing our prize money, that becomes more realistic. Together we are building the future of our sport,” Visser said.
Rabobank commits to Challenge Almere-Amsterdam for three years
During the press conference there was a lot more huge news, including the fact that Rabobank is committing itself as a sponsor of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam for the next three years and will continue to be the name giver of the RABO Business Relay. “This collaboration is also of undeniable importance to us,” Visser explained. “Rabobank is such an important regional booster of sports and events and we have been working together for years in a very warm, good way. The fact that we will continue to do so in the coming years is more than welcome.”
Jeugdfonds Sport en Cultuur social partner Challenge Almere-Amsterdam
Last but certainly not least, it was announced that Jeugdfonds Sport en Cultuur will be the social partner of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. This partnership should eventually provide new ways to raise money to allow more children in Almere to play sports.
