The 35th edition of the oldest long distance triathlon of Europe is done and dusted. With German winners on the long distance and surprising novices, this weekend of triathlon in Almere (the Netherlands) turned out to be very exciting. Over 2500 athletes participated in the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam and competed for a place on the podium in front of 35000 supporters. Markus Fachbach prolonged his title on the long distance triathlon, and his fellow countrywoman Kathrin Walther won the title in the women’s field. Furthermore, Dutch athletes competed in the Dutch Championships. Mark Oude Bennink and Irene Kinnegim became national champions last Saturday. Meanwhile, the registration for the 2016 edition is open via www.challenge-almere.com
The long distance triathlon in Almere is renowned within the world of triathlon. Athletes swim 3,8 kilometer, cycle 180 kilometer, and run a marathon (42,2 kilometer). Last year, Markus Fachbach was crowned European Champion in Almere, and this year he preferred to defend his title from Almere instead of his European title. After an exciting race in which he continually was side by side with Mark Oude Bennink, Fachbach finally gained on the Dutch athlete and won the title again. Dutch athlete Erik-Simon Strijk became third. The pro women created a thrilling race in which Irene Kinnegim started to gain on Walther on the run course. Eventually, she missed the first place with just one minute difference between herself and Kathrin Walther. Camille Deligny (FRA) became third. Dirk Wijnalda lost his title as Dutch Champion to Oude Bennink. Wijnalda himself eventually became third, Erik-Simon Strijk became second. Irene Kinnegim took the title of the championship, followed by Carla van Rooijen and Grada Boschker.
Other races Challenge Almere-Amsterdam
Besides the long distance, Saturday also featured the half distance triathlon. The top three in the men’s field consisted of Youri Severin (1), Marius Lau (2, GER), and Sebastian Krusch (3, GER). The best women were Charlene Ottevaere (1, BEL), Anna Wiese (2, POL), and Nadine Bucci (3, ITA). TriTogether teams contended on the Long Distance and No Limit Team won. Team Provincie Flevoland-Uniek won the Business4Tri on the Half Distance.
Junior Challenge
High school students started the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam weekend with the Junior Challenge: 620 students swam 380 meter, cycled 18 kilometer, and ran 4,2 kilometer (1/10th of the classic distance). In the senior category, Davy Heijsteeg won in the boys’ field and Joyce Caro in the girls’ field. The best juniors were Mark Bennis and Romy Spoelder. High school Het Baken came out best of the school ratings, followed by Almere’s high schools Oostvaarders College and Helen Parkhurst.
Business teams and Family Relay
On Sunday, the day started with the Business Relay – won by Almere City FC – and the Family Relay that was won by team Triathliem.
Finals Lotto Premier League Triathlon
The finals of the Lotto Premier League Triathlon formed the end of the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. Rings Specialized Forte Triteam won in the men’s field, and Hellas Utrecht again took the title in the women’s field.
See www.challenge-almere.com/athletes/results for all results.