Jesper Svensson and Marlene De Boer, European champions of LD triathlon at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam

On Saturday, September 15, 2024, the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam crowned Jesper Svensson (Sweden) and Marlene DeBoer (Netherlands) as the new European long distance triathlon champions.

The competition, which brought together dozens of professional athletes, was decided in the final kilometres of the men's race, while De Boer dominated from start to finish in the women's category, breaking both the Dutch national record and the course record with a time of 8:22:30.

Marlene De Boer's Absolute Domain

The Dutch triathlete Marlene DeBoer lived up to expectations as a favourite from the first minute of the competition.

After a solid swimming segment, in which the Swiss alani siffert Setting the pace with a record time of 51:05, De Boer quickly moved to the front of the leading group.

Throughout the 180km of cycling, the Dutchwoman was unstoppable, building a ten-minute lead over her rivals, while the local crowd cheered her on from the region's iconic dikes.

As the final marathon began, De Boer had secured her position as leader, but far from relaxing, she increased the pace in the final 10km, leading her not only to win the race but also to set two new records.I can't believe it. To win here, in front of so many people I know, and also with a Dutch record, is incredible.“, said De Boer, excited after crossing the finish line.

alani siffert achieved second place with a time of 8:30:16 in her long distance debut, while the German Jana Uderstadt completed the podium in 8:34:36, achieving his first top 3 as a professional.

Carolina Lauretiu, the only Spanish representative was 13th.

The men's race is decided in the final kilometers

Unlike the women's race, the men's race was much more closely contested and was not decided until the final kilometres.

From the start, the British Joshua Lewis took the initiative, maintaining a high pace in the cycling stage and leading alone for much of the race. However, Jesper Svensson decided to launch his attack in the final stretch of the foot race.

Lewis, exhausted after the first kilometers of the marathon, was overtaken by the Swede Svensson, who maintained a steady pace until the end, crossing the finish line in 7:41:26.

Despite exhaustion, Lewis managed to maintain second position with a time of 7:47:29, followed by the Dane Lars Lomholt, who recorded the best time in the marathon with 2:39 and finished in 7:48:38.

"This is one of the most exciting wins of my career. I knew I had to be patient and attack at the right time.“Svensson explained after his victory.

As for the Spaniards in the test Ignacio Cabrera finished in 18th final position

Challenge Almere 2024 Results

Top 10 female

Men's 10 Top