The Hel van Abbekerk: infighting during the ‘oldest triathlon’ in the Netherlands
The oldest triathlon in the Netherlands is just around the corner. The ‘Hel van Abbekerk’ is already being walked on for the 37th time. And that means that the scripts are dusted off again, the course is prepared and the hatchet is dug up.
When the first race started in 1984, the triathlon was not yet born. The swimming club Koggenland (ZVK), ice club (ALIJV) and gym association (SVW) joined forces and had the scoop. “Three years later the Dutch Triathlon Association was founded,” says Sjaak Ros. Registration has now been completed: 350 athletes, 50 of which from Abbekerk, will compete next Sunday. Someone from Switzerland also starts the kick-off.
Help comes from all sides
Yet the triathlon is different than usual. Abbekerk has no open water. Swimming pool De Spetter must therefore form a course. “After 40 laps jumping on the bike, later they have to defy it open. If the wind is wrong, it gets tough”, Ros laughs.
Although events in the Netherlands are under pressure due to a shortage of volunteers, first aiders and traffic controllers, the triathlon in Abbekerk is based on volunteers. “It’s all done, we can go again. About 150 volunteers will lead the event in the right direction.”
Norway
But not only that. Even the village council steps in to brighten up the course. Board members Hans Legel and Cees van Kooten painted 18 old bicycles in bright colours, an idea that came over from Norway. “Five years ago, my wife and I drove through a small village with our camper. At the entrance and later we see all brightly colored bicycles along the side of the road,” says Legel.
It didn’t work in the beginning, but when he got there early, it turned out that the following weekend would be cycling races in the village. A month later, Legel propose the idea. The village intended enthusiastically: within a few days 18 old bicycles were taken out of the shed. “We immediately got to work. We stripped the bikes, removed and cleaned the chain, mudguards and gear cables. And then spray on.”
Within two weeks the job was done. The brightly colored bicycles are now scattered throughout the village.
Derby
When asked about what makes Abbekerk so special, one doesn’t have to think twice. Because the triathlon has had a reputation for mutual derby over the years. “The triathlon is very much alive in Abbekerk. The first bets were already placed during last week’s fair. That mutual battle will always remain. For example, two neighbors have bet on a beer keg.”
Something else special is that since 2018 para-athletes have also been participating. “This year there are only two, including Paralympic Geert Schipper from Spanbroek.”
Abbeker Ewald Simonis also entered the battle, who ended up in a wheelchair due to a brain haemorrhage. “His son and chairman Niels Betten assist him. Betten defies the water and his son puts on the running shoes. A small village can be big in.”