The NOS was present during the 39th edition of the Holten Triathlon to create a beautiful report about our splendid event. The report highlights the connection of Rachel Klamer with the Holten Triathlon,
Read the article here:
Self-reliance keeps triathletes and Holten on their feet, even in the heat
The sky in Salland is cloudless blue, the thermometer rises to 30 degrees Celsius. It does not deter about 2,000 athletes – amateurs and professional athletes – from starting the Holten triathlon today, a forty-year tradition in the region.
“Holten is Rachel Klamer. Rachel Klamer is Triathlon Holten,” exclaims the speaker. The name of the four-time Olympic triathlete is inextricably linked with the sporting event, which she managed to win six times.
Even now, dealing with an injury that makes running difficult for her, cancelling is not an option for Klamer. She participates in the sprint race: 750 meters swimming, 20 kilometers cycling, and 5 kilometers running.
“I was 17 years old when I first stood at the start here,” says Klamer. “Now I am 34. There are people participating who were born when I first competed. So yes, I do feel old by now.”
This past summer, Klamer made an appearance at the Paris Games, where she finished fourteenth individually. Since then, triathlon has taken a back seat. “I bought a farm with my husband, and we are converting it into a house and small-scale training center. When you’ve been in the sport for so long, you want to stay active in it. But in a different way.”
Funding cut by NOC*NSF
Klamer wants to give something back to ‘her’ sport, which is facing a challenging time in the Netherlands now that NOC*NSF has cut funding by fifty percent.
“Financially, it becomes tougher. But to be honest: if you are active at the highest level, you should also be able to manage yourself. You should not depend on the NOC funds. Thanks to other people, you can also get quite far if you focus on your performance, find good sponsors for equipment, and help you to competitions. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Ian Pennekamp (24), finishing twelfth in Holten, the best-ranked Dutchman among the men, agrees with that. “But when you’re young, it is more difficult. If you’re lucky, your parents are wealthy and can support you. Triathlon is an expensive sport. And even if you can afford it, it takes time to figure everything out on your own.”
Pennekamp is grateful that the Triathlon Federation decided ten years ago to invest in the youth, resulting in a talented and close-knit group of men now. “The greatest contribution is that we make each other better. And hopefully, we’ll show NOC*NSF that we are a strong team and worth investing in.”
Self-reliance
The pursuit of self-reliance is also an aim for the Holten triathlon organization. The provincial council decided to stop the annual subsidy for the event. “Very disappointing, we also disagree with it and will appeal,” says board member Liesbeth Holterman of the Holten Triathlon.
But the organization is also trying to tap into new funding sources. “We had to look carefully where we could scrape together some more. For example, we have increased the token price to three euros and levy parking fees. In addition, we have gained new sponsors. And the Rijssen-Holten municipality helps us enormously, also financially.”
Klamer’s future
Waving to the crowd, Klamer enters the finish street, heading for the line. This time, she will finish fourteenth in Holten, still making her the best Dutch woman. What her sports future looks like is anyone’s guess.
“I first need to see how my body is doing. I noticed over the past four years that I was often injured. Or actually continuously. So that plays a role. And I also have to be realistic: I may not feel old mentally, but for the sport, I am getting a bit on the old side.”
For the amateurs in Holten, who start later in the afternoon, she has some advice ready on how to deal with the warm summer weather. “Especially during running and cycling: cool off well, drink well, not just water. And don’t start too fast. Just start nice and easy, and then build up.”
Find the link here: https://nos.nl/artikel/2572012-zelfredzaamheid-houdt-triatleten-en-holten-op-de-been-ook-in-de-hitte
