1984 Almere Triathon

The first edition of Almere was held in 1983. It was started by Joop Van Zanten. He’d done the Hawaii Ironman in 1981. The race is also still going. And I did it in 2002. Great event. I’d definitely go back.

The first triathlon in The Netherlands was held in September 1981 in Kijkduin. It was pretty much an ironman. As the organisers had either seen the 1981 ABC coverage from Hawaii or read the 1979 Sports Illustrated article. Kijkduin is on the coast. But the swim was held in a 50m pool.

For context, the first triathlon in Europe was probably in Pilsen in August 1980. Pilsen is in the Czech Republic. But was in Czechoslovakia back then. It’s only a 3 hour drive from where I live. I need get over there.

Germany, UK and France didn’t have triathlons until 1982. In April in Essen. September in Reading. As a training race for those going to Nice. And November in Nice. All of these events pre-dated the formation of the country’s national triathlon federation. More info coming!

So here’s 1984 in Almere. The race had 351 starters. Including athletes from Belgium, West Germany, Switzerland, the UK and the USA.

Ardis Bow from USA won the women’s race. And Axel Koenders defended his men’s title. 2nd was Gregor Stam. He won that first event in Kijkduin. 3rd was Rob Barel. Kurt Madden from the USA was 4th.

But I’ve really posted this to highlight Koenders’ outrageous fairings!

Images: Tri-Athlete (FR) Juin 1985