De Jong and Bouwmeester Holten Champions at the Olympic Distance
The 37th edition of the Holten Triathlon resulted in a double victory for both men and women among the recreational participants. Hugo Overmeen and Marleen Meij from Holten turned out to be the fastest athletes in the triathlon village on the eighth triathlon, automatically securing the first place in the local championship race. At the Olympic distance, the Holten championship was claimed by Andy de Jong and Leonie Bouwmeester.
In Holten, it quickly became clear that Hugo Overmeen – starting in the last group – was on his way to winning the Holten championship. With one lap remaining on the running course, the triathlete was still in full contention to crown himself the fastest participant in the eighth triathlon.
Encouraged by the speakers and the large crowd, Overmeen raced to a time of 01:08:49, earning him the title of fastest triathlete and Holten champion. What was his feeling after securing the title? “An immense joy,” Overmeen said.
“I did not expect this,” continued the newly crowned winner of the Holten Triathlon. “Of course, you always want to compete for the first place, but I went into it open-minded. I did not expect to be this good today. The swimming went fantastic, as did the biking and running. The transition could perhaps have been better, but those are details.”
Overmeen was also full of praise for the support from the crowd, which motivated him to reach great heights. “There were many familiar faces along the way, and that gives something extra. I kept hearing my name, and that gave me wings. I do plan to celebrate this evening. It’s always fun here in Holten.”
Also for Marleen Meij, Saturday undoubtedly promised to be a beautiful evening. The triathlete from Holten could call herself the fastest woman in the eighth triathlon, crowning herself the Holten champion as well.
“I’ve only been living in Holten since last year. It’s also my first time participating here,” Meij said after her winning race. “I was familiar with Holten and knew there was a triathlon here, but I lived in Nijmegen for a while and grew up in Alphen aan den Rijn. I recently started working in Almelo, so we needed to move this way a bit.”
Although Meij has been participating in triathlons for several years, the double victory in Holten came as a surprise. “Swimming is my weakest discipline. I’m always a bit insecure about it. I’ve also been dealing with a knee problem for a few weeks, but I didn’t want that to stop me. I couldn’t bear the thought of not starting here in Holten.”
Andy de Jong was also glad he participated in Holten. In the Olympic distance, the triathlete crowned himself the Holten champion for the first time. “It was tough. The wind was strong, and it also started to rain. The course was slippery, which made you cautious,” De Jong reflected on his race.
“It’s my first time being Holten champion. I’ve been on the podium three times before. Last year, I had a very challenging lead-up to the Holten Triathlon. Winning now makes me happy. I can check this one off.”
Leonie Bouwmeester can also call herself the fastest Holten resident for a year. While De Jong won the men’s race, Bouwmeester crowned herself the fastest Holten woman at the Olympic distance. “I had no idea what to expect,” said Bouwmeester.
“I’m not part of the triathlon club here in Holten, but I train with a few friends. We mainly train cycling and running,” said the newly crowned Holten champion. “I did participate in the swim clinic this year, which was very nice. It gave me confidence. I was happy to have survived the Domelaar, and then it becomes fun for me.”
Results Eighth Triathlon Men
1. Hugo Overmeen – Holten – 01:08:49
2. Max Nijhuis – Markelo – 01:08:57
3. Charles Helsper – Driebergen-Rijsenburg – 01:09:39
Results Eighth Triathlon Women
1. Marleen Meij – Holten – 01:12:15
2. Liselot Goris – Enschede – 01:18:09
3. Lieke Smale – Holten – 01:18:38
Results Eighth Triathlon Holten Men
1. Hugo Overmeen – 01:08:49
2. Edwin Bolink – 01:11:27
3. Robin Klein Boonschate – 01:12:37
Results Eighth Triathlon Holten Women
1. Marleen Meij – 01:12:15
2. Lieke Smale – 01:18:38
3. Femke Nauta – 01:20:39
Results Olympic Distance Men
1. Niels Grote Beverborg – Zuidlaren – 02:08:50
2. Bart Veurink – Bruchterveld – 02:09:02
3. Klaus Schlüter – Vreden – 02:14:26
Results Olympic Distance Women
1. Anne Zijderveld – Nieuw-Heeten – 02:23:56
2. Floortje Cieraad – Amsterdam – 02:24:35
3. Deborah Wissink – Diepenheim – 02:25:16
Results Olympic Distance Holten Men
1. Andy de Jong – 02:25:40
2. Stefan Pekkeriet – 02:27:24
3. Niels van Coeverden – 02:30:18
Results Olympic Distance Holten Women
1. Leonie Bouwmeester – 02:47:39
2. Karin Reterink – 02:54:41
3. Nienke Schaap – 02:57:35
