Gritting teeth with only one goal. Reaching the finish line of the Triathlon Holten. And that under tropical conditions. Because the 34th edition is warm and tough. Not only recreational participants have a hard time. Even the world elite, who make their first swim strokes in the Domelaar on Saturday morning, have a difficult time. While you would think that the 33 nationalities are used to something. But that turns out to be different when the swim/bike transition is behind them. The first kilometers go by at a rapid pace for all series. Until the Motieweg comes into view. That’s where the climbing begins, separating the strong legs from the less strong ones. The tropical temperature undoubtedly plays a part. Personal records are not broken during this edition. No matter how much the spectators along the course encourage the participants. And so all series proceed. At a slightly slower pace than other years. But the atmosphere is as usual. Both among the triathletes and the public. The last group especially gets excited when the locals from Holten come into action. And that’s at the end of the day. Family members and best friends sit in the stadium near the finish with flowers and banners ready. Children cheer for their parents. Despite the heavy race, there’s still room for a smile. Once across the finish line, there is a reach for wet sponges. A few sit down on the ground or lean against the fences. “Exhausted,” reacts one participant, worn out. “This is undoable. But how wonderful, how wonderful. All those people. Very special.” Rutger Pollemans from Goor crosses the finish line with a broad grin. He is the fastest of the second start group. “I’ve never swam so well,” he says. “But it was tough. I was suffering from the heat.” Great joy for the sisters Laura (27) and Ester Wijnberg (26) from Deventer. Not because they both claimed a podium place, but due to a nice finish time. The duo crosses the line close behind each other. “Swimming went well. We are both competitive swimmers, cycling was manageable, we tackled the Diepe Hel easily. It was only the running that didn’t go well. I forgot to put on socks,” Laura tells, participating in Holten for the first time. “But I loved it!” The last participant is traditionally accompanied by the motor team. And this year it’s Thom Lucassen from Almelo. Amidst great applause, the young triathlete runs the last meters over the blue carpet through the triathlon stadium. Where all of Holten cheers him on ecstatically. Subsequently, the closing party takes place on the Kalfstermansweide in the triathlon stadium. A spectacle where participants, visitors but also nearly 1000 volunteers celebrate together. And perhaps look forward to the 35th edition.
