Participants in the Holten Triathlon can always count on huge support. Throughout the entire course, the triathletes are loudly cheered on by the spectators present. This often helps the participants get through the race.
Especially on one of the toughest parts of the running course, it’s always nice as a participant to be strongly encouraged. Niels Hofman, Gijs Müller, and Frank Aanstoot stand each year with their friends on the Aalpolsweg to cheer the participants to the finish.
Cheering with a group
How did they come up with this idea? “We already saw several groups of friends standing along the course in Holten. This seemed appealing to us too, and so we started,” Frank explains. “Years ago, during the Triathlon itself, there was little happening in the village,” Niels adds. “With our comrades, we felt like encouraging the participants.” By now, the men have been doing this for several years and over the years the group has significantly expanded. Where they started with 8 people, they are now often with 25 to 30 people.
“Family of one of us owns a piece of land on the Aalpolsweg, which we are allowed to use,” Gijs explains. “On the morning of the triathlon, we start setting up our stuff. This has to be done before 9:30, otherwise the road is closed and we can’t reach it by car.”
Camaraderie
Frank: “We set up benches along the road and encourage the supporters. We are especially enthusiastic with the people of Holten; many familiar faces participate whom we like to cheer for. Moreover, it’s mostly about camaraderie. We drink a beer, barbecue, and ensure there’s lively music.”
“Once, we placed a large container to make a swimming pool. It was beautiful weather at the time, and really too hot to sit on a bench in the burning sun all afternoon. Before the start of the triathlon, the fire department filled it with water,” says Niels. “But at the end of the day, the lid opened too early. 15,000 liters of water flowed onto the Aalpolsweg, but the race was still going on. We won’t do that again,” Frank laughs.
“Ultimately, the camaraderie with the group is what matters most, and together we ensure that the participants receive the support they deserve. When the last participant has passed, we clean everything up and then head into the village for a fun evening,” Gijs concludes.
