This afternoon, alderman for sports of Almere René Peeters gave the official start signal of the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. During this kick-off session, the newest sponsors were presented to the audience alongside the Dutch athletes who will compete for the title of European Champion. Peeters thanked the organization behind Challenge Almere-Amsterdam and noted the enthusiasm of the team members. He is proud of the international character that the triathlon provides Almere with, and was pleased with the number of competing athletes, sponsors and the contribution of more than 600 volunteers.
Patrick Seinstra, chairman of the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, started the press conference by announcing the great news that the triathlon has been granted support from the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare, and Sport. The ministry has bestowed the grant because of the European Championship status of this year’s race and because of the international character of the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. Seinstra also introduced the newest sponsors during the press conference. The organization can count on the following local sponsors: Toyota Zonneveld BV, Diks Autoverhuur, Profile van der Linde, De Sportartsen Groep, Triple F Security, and Veel Beter Fysio. Other partners who will support the triathlon are Erdinger Alkoholfrei, High 5 Sports Nutrition, Soter: The Security Force, Arena, Fit for Free sportcentra, Parc Tropical (Spain), and the local store of WE Fashion.
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam
Just two more weeks to go before the triathlon and many participants have already signed up. At this moment, over 2.000 athletes have entered the various races of the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam weekend; amongst others athletes who will compete for the title of European Champion on the long distance triathlon, participants of the school triathlon, Senior Challenge, Para athletes, Business4Tri, Family Relay, and athletes who will compete within the finals of the Lotto Eredivisie and Schuiteman 2e divisie. The participants originate for 50% from foreign countries. More than 35 countries will be represented during this edition of the oldest triathlon in Europe.
Dutch athletes
During the press conference, Richard Belderok (race director) presented international and Dutch contenders for the European title. On behalf of the Dutch national team, Heleen bij de Vaate, Corine Nelen (from Almere), Thijs Koelen, and Dirk Wijnalda came forward to be presented to the audience. National coach Rik van Trigt has confidence in his team and believes they will achieve great results on the 13th of September. He wants his team to reach higher levels to enable them to compete on a high lever in the international competition as well.
The Challenge Almere-Amsterdam takes place from 12 -14 September. Athletes will compete for the European title on September 13th.