Challenge Almere-Amsterdam to host the 2019 Long Distance Triathlon European Championship

Next year’s Long Distance European Championship 2019 will take place in the triathlon mecca of Almere in the Netherlands. The European Triathlon Union (ETU) and Challenge announced the 2019 Long Distance Triathlon European Championship today and chose Almere to be the host. “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 name of Holland Triathlon), and in 2014 and 2017, Challenge Almere-Amsterdam 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. It’s exactly that feeling”, explains 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 proudly in the history books of our sport.”

Challenge CEO Zibi Szlufcik believes Challenge Almere-Amsterdam to be an excellent choice as host for the Long Distance European Championship. “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.”

The NTB sees Challenge Almere-Amsterdam as a great race to host the European Championship. “We are pleased with this choice. Challenge Almere-Amsterdam has proven that it is able to organize such international events at a high level. This will be another great international battle at the Long Distance, hosted in The Netherlands.”

In 2017, more than 3,500 triathletes participated at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. The race takes place 20 minutes from Amsterdam and more than 30,000 visitors are encouraging participants alongside the flat course. In 2018, there will be about 4,000 triathletes at the start. This 2018 edition will take place during the weekend of 7, 8 and 9 September.