Surprise hits the spot
More than 950 volunteers from the Triathlon Holten would normally be busy this week with the final preparations for the event. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday they would again be out en masse to manage everything properly and provide participants and visitors with a fantastic event. This year is different. The Triathlon Holten and all the excitement around it are greatly missed. At the same time, the event is very much alive, partly due to the tompouces action.
As a token of appreciation for the fact that volunteers are ready year after year, the organization has set up a Tompouces action. On Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, all volunteers can pick up four free tompouces at Echte Bakker Nijkamp with their voucher. So, we all get to taste a bit of the Triathlon Holten this weekend.
From early Thursday morning, it was immediately busy. With a cheerful smile, the pastries are distributed by the ladies at Nijkamp and received with equally big smiles by the volunteers.
We spoke over a triathlon tompouce with owner Ingrid Nijkamp and volunteer Martine Pinkert, block leader of the transition area from cycling to running.
Great synergy between Nijkamp and Triathlon Holten
Ingrid Nijkamp has been working in the business she runs with her husband Martin for 40 years. All those years she has experienced the Triathlon Holten very consciously. She explains: “We have a lot of affection for the Triathlon Holten, both personally and as a tradesperson. That’s why we’ve been involved as a sponsor for a long time. We actually see it as one big family party for the whole of Holten.”
The synergy between the triathlon organization and Echte Bakker Nijkamp is special. “We provide thousands of sandwiches that the volunteers and security staff take with them during the event, contribute to the lunch and the ice cream in the VIP tent, and provide, for example, the fruit for athletes after the finish. And, of course, our name is widely promoted during and around the event.”
According to Ingrid, the ‘everyone-knows-everyone’ principle also applies strongly in the wonderful cooperation: “If necessary, we assist each other. I still remember two years ago – after the renovation of our lunchroom – three large heavy tables had to be brought inside. They were impossible to lift. The guys from the ‘fence setters’ spontaneously offered their help. They came cheerfully, working together to put the tables in place. It’s wonderful and very pleasant.”
Maintain spirit for next year
According to Ingrid, what is particularly remarkable about the Triathlon Holten is that the organization has remained so steadfast over the years and there is always such strong support. “I think that’s very impressive. Also when you look at all the volunteers. You would think that it might diminish at some point, but that’s not the case. New people always step forward who have a lot of affection for the event. It’s impressive that this has been achieved and is also being maintained. And hopefully that stays the same. It would be nice if, despite this year’s cancellation due to corona, the spirit could be maintained for next year.”
Healthy stress and fun in triathlon week
The week of the triathlon is special for Nijkamp every year. “Every year it’s stressful, but it’s healthy stress and a lot of fun. It brings a lot with it. Our activities for the organization, international athletes who come to the bakery to gather their carbohydrates, and many visitors and participants on the terrace. Although the weekend itself and the week leading up to it certainly doesn’t deliver a peak in revenue and, for example, the whole bakery schedule has to be adjusted, I am convinced that the Triathlon Holten is very good for the village and its tradespeople. It puts us on the map. We make ourselves known. People come back, and we all benefit from that.”
“The weekend itself is very pleasant for our whole team. Many colleagues participate themselves. On the terrace, we welcome a diverse group of guests. And, for example, the street theater that took place last year was a fantastic addition.”
Over 4000 tompouces for volunteers
Ingrid and the team are excited to craft and distribute over 4000 triathlon tompouces to the many volunteers over these 3 days. It is a huge operation, both in the shop and the bakery. Especially because this weekend is also Father’s Day. But according to Ingrid, it’s worth it: “We already hear that people really appreciate it. Just the fact that they received a nice card that boosts their morale is an important gesture. And, of course, the tasty surprise itself. That motivates us to keep the spirit alive for next year. Without volunteers, an organization like Triathlon Holten is nowhere. So we are very happy to be able to contribute in this way.”
Triathlon fever in the Pinkert house
On Thursday morning it was already busy, and within a short time, the first few hundred tompouces were distributed to volunteers. One of them is Martine Pinkert. About 14 years ago she moved from Apeldoorn to Holten to live with her husband Wilco, who is originally from Holten. He was already involved with the triathlon as a volunteer, and thus Martine was immediately infected with the ‘triathlon fever’.
“I also started at the transition point. It was still part of the bike course organization back then. At some point, it was separated because it became too large a part. Hans Heijda then took on the role as section head of the transition zone. Later, my girlfriend and buddy Brenda and I took over from him. That virus got in there, and it just sticks.” She adds with a laugh: “It might sound a bit strange in corona times, but once you’re infected with the triathlon virus, you can’t get rid of it. Even the children of both us and Brenda are now actively involved in the triathlon and even at work, I’ve infected colleagues with it.”
Missing being ready together for the triathlon this year
With a group of about 50 enthusiastic people, Martine and Brenda organize everything involved in the zone where participants switch from the bicycle portion to running. It’s a huge task. In the week leading up to the triathlon, they both take time off work and devote many hours during the day and evening to the triathlon. “It’s hard work, but above all, it’s a lot of fun. Everyone supports each other. Everyone is proud and enjoys it. We make it enjoyable together, for example by sharing some treats. Many other volunteers and athletes stop by for a chat and to see how the transition zone is set up that year. And that’s something everyone really misses this year, we hear that from everyone.”
Not only during the week of the triathlon are Martine and Brenda active. Throughout the year, they spend a lot of time together on the organization. “When we’re together as friends, we often end up arranging something for the transition zone,” Martine explains. “It’s fun to do this together. We understand each other well. And it works perfectly to be able to brainstorm during the busy triathlon weekend when needed. And we keep each other sharp. We remind each other, for example, to keep drinking enough during the hot editions and also to rest when necessary. Unfortunately, we have to miss that this coming weekend. This week feels very bare. To still be together on Saturday, we’ve arranged to barbecue with both families in the evening. Normally, we would then have a drink with a very satisfied feeling on the square to celebrate the good outcome.”
Positive mood partly thanks to cream puffs
Within the whole transition zone group, the disappointment of the cancellation was great. “We received many messages from volunteers who think it’s a good decision, but of course, find it very unfortunate. At the same time, the mood is very positive. The cream puffs action is greatly appreciated. People are already rolling up their sleeves for next year and indicating that they’ll be back next year. So that’s very nice to see.”
Martine notices that the cream puffs action also brings about solidarity. “My father, who also helps as a volunteer, for instance, comes from Apeldoorn to pick them up and immediately has a cup of coffee. Photos of the cream puffs are already being shared. That way you notice that people are reconnecting with each other. Brenda and I also added a card with a nice text or message to thank people. Because we really miss everyone and the energy of the weekend and are already looking forward to next year!”
