Tilburg Triathlon

We spoke with the organisation of the Tilburg Triathlon. This year the second edition will take place on 5 June! The preparations are in full swing and the organisation can tell us a lot about this edition. They will tell us why you should participate, what makes this triathlon unique and for whom it is suitable. Are you curious? Then read more below! 

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

"We are Jurjen and Tjeu and we are both part of the Tilburg Triathlon Committee. This year we will organise the second edition of the Tilburg Triathlon. The whole purpose of this triathlon is to attract the widest possible audience. We want to put a new sporting event on the calendar of Tilburg."

"It will take place at T.S.R. Vidar in Hilvarenbeek on 5 June 2022. The goal is to bring the triathlon more to Tilburg in the coming years by having cycling and/or running routes run through it. The swimming part will take place at the rowing course of Vidar. We would like to end the day with a nice drink at Vidar."

WHY DOES VIDAR ORGANISE A TRIATHLON AS A ROWING CLUB?

"Sport is of course a high priority for a rowing club. We are working hard to encourage that further. Why a triathlon? Because we would like to give something back to Tilburg. Students enjoy Vidar a lot, so we wanted to organise something for our fellow citizens. There is no triathlon in Tilburg yet, even though Tilburg is a big city. We see it as an unmet need and that's why we chose to organise it."

HOW DOES THE LOCATION FIT IN WITH THE TRIATHLON?

"We do have a really good location for a triathlon. We are situated on the water, of course. Besides the fact that it is the most beautiful rowing water in the Netherlands, we think you can also swim here very well. And besides that, it's just outside Tilburg, so you can cycle here wonderfully. That fits exactly!"

WHAT KIND OF PARTICIPANTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

"We have chosen for ourselves not to approach a specific target group. We wanted to keep it as accessible as possible for everyone. So not only students, but all the people out of the community as well. Logically, most people will come from the group between 20 and 55 years old. Of course, everyone outside of that is more than welcome!"

WHAT KIND OF DISTANCES DO YOU OFFER?

"It is now mainly for the starting triathlete. To organise an official triathlon, you need a licence. Unfortunately, we do not have one, because we are still quite small. So it is mainly for beginners. But advanced triathletes can also participate, of course, because you can also set a fast time with us.

"We are offering the triathlon for three distances this year; the one-eighth, one-quarter, and one-quarter triathlon in relay form. The individual quarter triathlon is the biggest event. In the previous edition, this had the most registrations. The 1/8th triathlon is very accessible and a good place to start. The relay triathlon is for the real team player who prefers to take on the challenge together."

How was the previous, first edition experienced?

"That edition gave us a lot of motivation to organise another triathlon. Unfortunately, it could not take place in its full glory then. Instead of a triathlon, we organised a 'run-bike-run'. The participants were very enthusiastic about this. It offered a boost to train. The cycling and running routes were also appreciated. This year it is a full triathlon, so it will only get better."

What makes this triathlon unique?

"We have very nice water, of course. It's the best rowing water, but you can also swim great. You are in the middle of nature. At other triathlons, you're often in an industrial area. With us, you're on the Wilhelmina Canal surrounded by idyllic surroundings."

"In addition, anyone can register. Of course you need your own gear, but otherwise it is super accessible. The costs of participation are €30 for an individual registration and €37.50 for a team registration. All you really need is a lot of sense, a bike and a pair of running shoes."

"We have a partnership with the Decathlon. You can pick up your starting number at the Decathlon in the city centre, where you will also receive a €5 gift card. There will also be a Decathlon team on hand to help with bicycle problems. Finally, there will be sports food to ensure that everyone can get their energy levels up."

Would you like to know more about the Tilburg Triathlon? And do you want to register? Then take a look at the site!