Current situation brings too much uncertainty and risks
The Triathlon Holten, which was to be held on Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3, will not take place. This also applies to the Vivera Run and other side events related to the Triathlon Holten. The 36th edition of the international top sports event is, like last year, canceled due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus.
A large number of scenarios considered
The organization has conducted extensive research into possible scenarios to organize the triathlon in such a way that the safety and health of all involved are guaranteed. Numerous scaled-down versions of the normal event at various locations were considered. To the organization’s great regret and disappointment, it must be concluded that the current situation still brings too much uncertainty and risks.
Martin Pieters, chairman of the Stichting Triathlon Holten, explains: “This is a decision we had to make with a lot of pain in our hearts. Especially because the event was also canceled last year. We hear from volunteers, participants, and all other stakeholders that they are eager to be part of the Triathlon Holten again. That feeling is also very strong within the entire organization, especially now that the pandemic has had us in its grip for so long.”
Safety and health of those involved is the highest priority
However, the board can only conclude that the current situation, with its uncertainty and lack of prospects for rapid improvement, makes the organization irresponsible and impossible.
“The event would have to take place within three months. The date depends on the international triathlon calendar and is therefore not flexible,” says Pieters. “The current increase in the number of corona infections makes the situation extremely uncertain. Moreover, there is no way to estimate how the situation will be in the run-up to and during the triathlon. The coming months are crucial for the organization of the event, with frequent contact between volunteers and the board about the organization. This contact is not possible in the usual way in this situation. However much we would like to organize, safeguarding the safety and health of all volunteers, athletes, sponsors, and other stakeholders during the preparation also has the highest priority. The still worrisome circumstances make organizing now unfortunately irresponsible, and the applicable measures make it unfeasible. Therefore, this is the only responsible decision and we hope for everyone’s support and understanding.”
Rembert Groenman (director NTB); “The Dutch Triathlon Federation understands the decision to cancel and wishes the organization strength in this difficult time. The NTB looks forward to seeing the Triathlon Holten back on the calendar in 2022 with, among other things, an international Premium CUP competition.”
Renato Bertrandi, president of the European federation, says the following; “The elite and junior European cups are always part of the very popular triathlon in Holten. Thousands of recreational athletes and a very involved community with volunteers are part of the annual Triathlon festival. The COVID19 restrictions would greatly affect the atmosphere of the event. The ETU is disappointed but fully understands the decision of the Triathlon Holten to cancel.”
Special edition in 2022
It is noticeable everywhere that people are more than ever ready for the atmosphere, sports, and experience of an event like the Triathlon Holten. “When we expressed the ambition to host an even more sublime event in 2021 last year, we never expected that the coronavirus would still affect our lives so much and stand in the way of those plans,” Pieters says. “In 2022, we hope to let everyone enjoy an extra special event to partly forget the canceled two editions and this difficult period. The organization is working hard on those plans and the future of the Triathlon Holten. The date in 2022 depends on the international calendar and will be announced after consultation with the ETU.
We wish everyone a lot of strength in these ongoing difficult times. Although the prospects for improvement in the next three months are still uncertain, the situation will undoubtedly improve thereafter. Once again, it has become clear how much we need each other in this society and how important health and vitality are to all of us. We hope to welcome you next year and will keep you informed via, among other things, our website and social media.
For now: hold on, try to stay as fit as possible, and take care of each other.
Board Stichting Triathlon Holten
