We were treated to a stunning view at the start of the 2017 ETU City Triathlon Weert. With the sun shining on an amazingly blue lake, it was almost as if we were in that very select part of the Caribbean where Dutch is spoken … yes, it could have been Curacao. Check this video – it shows you just a little bit of the beauty of the race.
The swim really was a good one, with warm water and a clean lake, with a sandy beach to start from. The bike course, a short leg to take the athletes to the multi-lap flat but technical course, delivered the athletes to the city centre where the crowds were entertained by energetic drum groups, who kept the rhythm going throughout the day – again, close your eyes and you could be in the Caribbean. The run, again, flat but very technical, gave the crowds the chance to watch the race unfold and with everything so close, you got to see the run then cheer the athletes over the finish line.
The race certainly got the thumbs-up from the Elite.
Weert is, in many respects, another version of Holten and the Dutch organisers have certainly got the mix right. Weert is very close to Eindhoven, easy to get to and with plenty of hotels in the vicinity to host you.
Straight after the race, the LOC made their way to Kitzbühel, where they made a successful presentation to the ETU Executive Board.
The LOC came away from Kitzbühel with the news that they had been selected to host the 2019 ETU Triathlon European Championships (9th to 16th June, 2019). This will be over the standard (Olympic) distance and by now many of you will be looking this far forwards with your training plans.
ETU has been promoting Age Group participation for many years. We have encouraged athletes to sign up to the open races that are held alongside our Premium European Cups, European Cups and Junior European Cups. These open races generally use the same course and you get the chance for a blue carpet finish under the ETU branding. It also gives you a great chance to step outside your comfort zone and race against new competitors, at the same time giving you valuable experience of racing in different countries.
The Weert Team have a special opportunity in 2018 for all Age Group athletes; come along and race the standard distance. The weekend of triathlon celebrations starts on Friday 8th June, with a run-bike-run for local schools. Saturday 9th sees local clubs race short distance “taster” events and on Sunday 10th you will have the chance to race the Standard Distance race starting at 08:00 as an Age Group athlete.
This is really a tremendous opportunity for all Age Group athletes who are planning / hoping to be part of the 2019 ETU Triathlon European Championships. A chance to get the right gearing, to know where to put that extra bit of pressure on the competition and perhaps also a chance to pre-book your accommodation for 2019.
Check out the 2018 event website.
Now, that’s not a bad Christmas present, is it?