Next year’s ETU Long Distance Tri Championship will take place in the European triathlon mecca of Almere in the Netherlands. This follows confirmation from the European Triathlon Union (ETU) and Challenge Family that the 2019 Long Distance Triathlon European Championship will be hosted by Challenge Almere-Amsterdam 2019.
“It’s a big honour for us and a recognition of the international appreciation for our race,” said Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Race Director Richard Belderok . “We’re going to do everything we can to make it a great race as always.”
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam has a rich history when it comes to organizing championships. In 1985, 1991, 1999 and 2006 (all under the event’s previous name of Holland Triathlon), and in 2014 and 2017 as Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, it was the host for the Long Distance European Championship.
“It’s always nice to go back to meet with an old friend and with Almere,” said ETU President Renato Bertrandi. “ETU has worked with this event on many occasions in the past. It’s the oldest triathlon in Europe and the name stands proud in the history books of our sport.”
Challenge Family CEO Zibi Szlufcik believes that Challenge Almere-Amsterdam will be an excellent choice as host for the Long Distance European Championship. He said, “After all, this is one of our most iconic races in the world. The race organization is excellent and the management works perfectly. The athletes are always at the fore and the fact that Challenge Almere-Amsterdam will be hosting next year’s European Championship strengthens our great cooperation and relationship with the ETU.
“In addition, I would like to thank the city of Almere, the Dutch Triathlon Bond (NTB), sponsors of the event, partners, media, and of course the volunteers and the athletes.”
In 2017, more than 3,500 triathletes participated at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. The race takes place 20 minutes from Amsterdam, with more than 30,000 spectators encouraging participants alongside the fast and flat course. In 2018, there will be around 4,000 triathletes at the start.
This year’s 2018 edition will take place on 7-9 September.
