ATHLETE'S GUIDE
Please review the important information below to help you prepare for race weekend. We’re excited to welcome you to beautiful Almere-Amsterdam for an unforgettable triathlon experience. It is strongly recommended that you watch the online briefing which will be available on YouTube on Friday 12th September. This briefing will provide the most up-to-date information about the course, the rules and guidelines.
Safe travels, and we’ll see you at the starting line!
INTRODUCTION
Dear athlete,
It's that time again: Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is just around the corner! We're counting down the days; the tension is rising, and it won't be long before you get started on what might be the race of your life. We are ready - you too?
In any case, you are part of the 44th edition of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, which makes us the oldest Long Distance race in Europe and the second oldest race in the world. In addition to the 2025 Europe Triathlon Championships Long Distance Almere-Amsterdam – or in short, the European Championships over the classic distance – there are of course the Middle Distance; the Rabo Business Relay; Family Relay; Senior & No-Limit Challenge; Recruit-a-Student Junior Challenge and Medi-Mere Kids Run on the program. A three-day triathlon spectacle for young and old, and for participants of all levels. This is what makes Challenge Almere Amsterdam so unique!
What also makes Challenge Almere-Amsterdam so special is the fact that you compete together with thousands of other athletes in your triathlon adventure and there are tens of thousands of people on the sidelines to encourage you. Of course, the race will also be broadcast live on television and streaming. All triathlon media report extensively about our race, as will international, national, local and regional media. And all because of the great achievements that you, and thousands of other triathletes, will deliver.
As Race Director, I can say that I am particularly proud that you, as an athlete, will shine at the center of what will be a spectacular race weekend. Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is all about you. No more. No less.
For more than a year we have, together with a team of permanent employees and almost a thousand passionate volunteers, worked hard to create a great edition of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. I am convinced that we will succeed in this. So, try to enjoy it from start to finish. It will be a day you will never forget!
I would ask you to read this Athlete's Guide carefully because you will find not only all the information you need during the 2025 Europe Triathlon Long Distance Championships Almere-Amsterdam but also in the days leading up to the event. If you have any questions, you know where to find us. For now, I just want to wish you the best of luck with the final preparations and have fun during Challenge Almere-Amsterdam.
We'll see you in September!
On behalf of all directors, other volunteers, sponsors and the municipality of Almere.
Race Director
Richard Belderok
Dear Athletes,
Welcome to the 2025 Europe Triathlon Challenge Long Distance Championships in Almere-Amsterdam!
You are about to take part in one of the most iconic races on the European calendar, Europe’s oldest classic Long Distance triathlon, proudly held since 1981. This year, the legacy continues as Almere becomes the stage for the European Championship Long Distance.
Set on land reclaimed from the sea, this race is truly one-of-a-kind. From the swim in the calm sweetwater lake, to the flat and fast bike course over dykes and through open polders, to the scenic run around Weerwater Lake, this event captures the essence of Dutch resilience, beauty, and hospitality.
On behalf of Europe Triathlon, I want to thank the City of Almere, the organisers of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, the Nederlandse Triathlon Bond and all the volunteers who make this unforgettable event possible.
Wishing you a strong race, memorable moments, and the satisfaction that comes from pushing your limits.
See you in Almere!
Yours in triathlon,
Marc D’hooge
President, Europe Triathlon
Dear athlete,
With only a few weeks left until race day, you are about to take part in Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. This means you will be racing in the oldest triathlon in Europe, writing triathlon history together with us.
As CEO of Challenge Family, I have the privilege of visiting many of our races worldwide. But I can say this honestly: Challenge Almere-Amsterdam has always held a special place in my heart. After all, this is where I first fell in love with our beautiful sport. If you experience even a fraction of the magic I feel every year at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, that would be amazing.
That will undoubtedly happen, because the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam team has worked incredibly hard for a year to give you an unforgettable day on September 13. On one of the fastest courses in the world, you will surely enjoy yourself from start to finish. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or ‘just’ aiming to reach the finish line, Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is always special. The tens of thousands of spectators lining the course, the nearly one thousand volunteers dedicated to making your race a success, and of course the thousands of fellow participants taking on the challenge with you - you’ll experience it all.
Through this message, I want to wish you the very best of luck with your final preparations so that on September 13 you can start Challenge Almere-Amsterdam as well-prepared and rested as possible. We will be there on the sidelines to cheer you on during the race, and of course, we’ll be waiting for you at the finish line. Because that moment, too, will be truly special!
CEO. Challenge Family
Jort Vlam
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SCHEDULE
15:00 - 18:00
Registration Long & Middle Distance Triathlon & Aquabike
Location: Theatre
15:00
Start Recruit-a-student Junior Challenge (elite junior)
Location: Esplanade
15:02
Start Recruit-a-student Junior Challenge (rolling start)
Location: Esplanade
15:30
First finish Recruit-a-student Junior Challenge
Location: Finish Stadium
15:30 – 16:00
Test Swim Quintana Roo Swim courseLocation: Beach Esplanade
17:00
Start RABO Business Relay
Location: Esplanade
17:02
Start Family & Student Relay
Location: Esplanade
07:00 - 09:00
Registration Middle Distance “Kleine zaal”
Location: Theatre
07:00 - 09:15
Bike Check-in Middle Distance
Location: Theatre & Lumière Park
08:30
Start Senior & No-Limit Challenge
Location: Van Rheenen Sport
11:00 - 20:30
Bike check-in & Registration:
Long Distance Triathlon, Middle Distance Triathlon & Aquabike
Location: Theatre & Lumière Park
11:00
Transition Area check-in opens
Location: Lumière Park
14:30
Finish Senior & No-Limit Challenge
Location: Finish Stadium
16:30
Start Medi-Mere Kids Run
Location: Finish Stadium
17:30
Start Carbo loading Party
Location: Theatre
20:30
Transition Area check-in closes
Location: Lumière Park
6:00
Transition Area open
7:10
Start Long Distance – Elite female
Location: Quintana Roo Swimcourse
7:25
Start Long Distance – Elite male
Location: Quintana Roo Swimcourse
7:30
Start Long Distance Age-groups EC
Location: Quintana Roo Swimcourse
7:40
Start Long Distance Open Race Age Groups <45 (Male & Female)
Location: Quintana Roo Swimcourse
7:45
Start Long Distance Open Race Age Groups 45+ (Male & Female)
Location: Quintana Roo Swimcourse
7:47
Start Long Distance – Para Triathlon
Location: Quintana Roo Swimcourse
7:50
Start Long Distance Relay & Aquabike
Location: Quintana Roo Swimcourse
9:50
Start Middle Distance & Para Middle Distance & Aquabike Rolling Start
Location: Quintana Roo Swimcourse
13:25
First finish Middle Distance
Location: Finish Stadium
15:00
First finish Elite male Long Distance European Championship
Location: Finish Stadium
16:00
First finish Elite female Long Distance European Championship
Location: Finish Stadium
16:00 - 20:30
Bike check-out Middle Distance
Location: Lumière Park
18:00
Middle Distance Award Ceremony
Location: Erdinger Stage
18:00 - 23:45
Bike check-out Long Distance
Location: Lumière Park
19:00 – 23:20
Finish line party and last finishers
Location: Finish Stadium
11:00
Long Distance Award Ceremony
Location: Erdinger Stage
PRE-RACE INFORMATION
There is one moment when the official swim course can be tested under supervision:
DATE: September 10
START: Between 15:30 and 15:45
END: 16:30
LOCATION: Erdinger Stage
We strongly recommend doing the course familiarization with a swim buoy for good visibility.
Please note that, due to other competitions taking place, everyone must leave the water at 4:30 PM. Outside the stated times of this swim familiarization, there is no supervision and swimming is at your own risk. There are boats sailing in the lake and swimming outside this time is not recommended.
Because much of the bike course takes place on roads closed to cyclists, not only is it dangerous to ride on the course outside of the event (cars will not expect you to be there!), it is also illegal, and you risk receiving a fine for cycling on these roads. Please respect the traffic rules!
It is possible to ride close to the route using nearby cycle paths. The route is: https://afstandmeten.nl/index.php?id=3438912 (this can be exported to a GPX or KML file by clicking on the export button on the left of the page)
On Wednesday 10th September, a route will be cycled together to explore the most technical passages of the bike course. The tempo will be low. The lap will be 35-45 kilometers. We will meet at 10am at the Van der Linde bike shop in Almere Stad.
It is also possible to experience the course digitally on Rouvy:
The run course is accessible all-year-round. The route can be found here: https://afstandmeten.nl/index.php?id=3344802 (this can be exported to a gpx or kml file by clicking the export button on the left side of the page)
On Wednesday 10th September, there is the opportunity to make a walking lap of the running course together. The run is done at a leisurely pace, so that everyone has the opportunity to take a good look at the course. We will meet at Van der Linde bicycle shop in Almere Stad at 10am.
Powerbar: the official nutrition partner of the 2025 Europe Triathlon Championships Long Distance / CHALLENGE ALMERE-AMSTERDAM. Athletes in the Long Distance Triathlon and in the Middle Distance can use Powerbar gels and iso drinks on both the bike and run courses.
Powerbar has been at the forefront of providing high-quality sports nutrition within the triathlon world for thirty years. These are the products/flavors we offer during the race:
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Energize Advanced Raspberry
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Energize Advanced Hazelnut Choco
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Energize Original Banana Punch
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Energize Original Cookies & Cream
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REGISTRATION / RACE PACK COLLECTION
Only registered athletes may collect their package at the designated time.
Bikes are not allowed in the Theater and can be parked, at your own risk but under supervision, in the temporary bike rack on the Esplanade. Leaving your bike(s) on or in your car is not recommended.
If you do not have a National Federation License, you would have paid for a day license when you registered. Show
the Active.com confirmation email that will be resent / sent in the days before the event. One member of the
TriTogether team may collect the packages for the team. If the team has indicated that it will participate under a
triathlon license, then the license holder must in any case be present.
PLEASE NOTE: Keep your ID and any National Federation License to hand. Volunteers will look up your starting
number by scanning your confirmation email and you will receive a wristband with your number on it. Your
registration details will then be checked, and you will receive your race pack envelope and transition bags. Always
check the contents of the envelope carefully before applying stickers.
Registration takes place based on a time slot in the central hall of the Theater. The schedule for this is:
13:00 - 14:30
Registration Junior Challenge
Location: Theater
13:00 - 15:00
Registration Senior & No Limit Challenge
Location: Theater
15:00 - 16:30
Registration RABO Business & Family Relay
Location: Theater
15:00 - 18:30
Registration Long & Middle Distance
Location: Theater
11:00 - 20:00
Registration Long Distance & Middle Distance & Open (Triathlon & Aquabike)
Location: Theater
15:00 - 15:30
Registration Elite Long Distance
Location: Theater (Overgooi room)
15:30 - 16:30
Briefing Elite Athletes
Location: Theater (Overgooi room)
17:00 - 18:00
Briefing Age Group Coaches & Team Managers
Location: Theater (Overgooi room)
20:00
Registration Closes
Location: Theater (Overgooi room)
20:30
Transition Area Check-In Closes
Location: Theater (Overgooi room)
7:00 - 9:00
Registration Middle Distance (Triathlon & Aquabike)
Location: Theater
There is no possibility for Long Distance athletes to collect the registration package on race day.
The briefings will be made available online. These will be published on Friday (September 12th) on the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@hollandtriathlon)
For Elite Athletes, there is a mandatory live briefing in the Overgooi room in the Theater.
During the race, your split times are tracked with a MyLaps ProChip. This is attached to a soft strap and secured with Velcro. The chip must be worn on the left ankle during the entire race. When registering, the MyLaps ProChip is included in your race pack. You will receive the chip at Bike Check-in
PLEASE NOTE: You must hand in this chip when checking out the Transition Area.
Without a chip it is not possible to retrieve your belongings!
If the chip is returned to another location or if the chip is lost, you will be charged an amount of €25.
During the registration procedure, you will receive all the race items you will need during the race weekend:
Check the table above to see whether these items are actually present in your race pack and report any discrepancies at the registration desk.
When you register, you will receive different coloured transition bags:
Red Bag: Contains all your loose bike accessories (all items that cannot be attached to the bike). No loose items may be left with your bike in the transition area. You are to hang this bag on the coat rack where your start number is displayed in the transition tent. The red bag is to be hung on the bottom hook. After the first transition (swim to bike), hang the bag back in the same place.
Blue Bag: Contains all the essentials for your run. It is not permitted to place this next to your bike. You hang this bag above the red bag in the transition tent. After the second transition (bike to run), hang it in the same place again.
Green Bag: This is where you put clean, dry clothes (streetwear) and other items you need after the finish. You must hand in this bag just before the start at the bag drop-off tent, located just before the entrance to the swim starting areas. It may NOT be hung on the coat rack in the transition tent. All loose green bags will be removed. Handing in a bike pump in the green bag is PROHIBITED; you can leave this separately at the green bag drop-off and collect it together with your green bag after the race. You leave it at your own risk. Tip: use your extra 'supporter' sticker to mark your bike pump. Make sure everything fits in your bag and tie it closed before handing it in.
After the race, green bags will be available in the Theater. The red and blue bags can be collected afterwards in the transition tent. Don’t forget you will need your chip to retrieve your belongings.
Personal needs bags are only available for those doing a Long Distance race.
White Bag: Personal needs for the bike discipline
Orange Bag: Personal needs for the run discipline
Upon request, Personal Needs bags are handed out at the bike check-in tent. Once you have placed the items you need in the bag(s) drop them off at the green bag drop-off at the race start. They will be transported to the Personal Needs Station (near coach post/aid station 1) for the Bike (before the Havenkom Almere Haven - kilometers 8 and 94) and the Personal Needs Station (near the coach post) for the run (at the end of the Esplanade after the aid station).
Personal needs are indicated with signs and organized by start number.
Bags will be arranged in order of starting number and you must get them there yourself.
Please note that bags will not be returned after the event.
Mandatory for ELITE, PARA, AGE-GROUP and OPEN Long Distance Series (including Aquabike) and highly recommended for Middle Distance at the stated time
Location: Transition Area
Date and time: Friday 12th September, 2025 | 11:00 -20:30
Bring with you:
● Helmet with stickers on your head
● Bicycle with sticker
● National Federation Uniform/Trisuit
● Red bag – Bike gear
● Blue bag – Run gear
All of the above, except your National Federation Uniform/Trisuit, must remain in the transition area.
Timing chips are included in the race pack envelope, except for Elite athletes who will receive them with their swim cap on race day. Bike covers are allowed at night, unless wind conditions prohibit their use.
Race day information
Cut-off times
RACE:
Long Distance
SWIMMING:
After 2 hours and 15 minutes (from your official start)
BIKING:
14:05 round 1
17:50 round 2
RUNNING:
22:05 (start of last round)
23:20 (finish)
RACE:
Middle Distance
SWIMMING:
After 1 hour and 25 minutes (from the last start)
BIKING:
16:00
RUNNING:
19:00 (finish)
Bikes are NOT allowed to be checked in to the transition area on race morning. You may not remove your Bike from the transition area until the start of the Bike leg of the race. Bike mechanics and bike pumps will be available in the transition area on race morning.
On race day, a final check of the National Federation Uniform (trisuit), wetsuit and body decals takes place upon arrival in the transition area. For last-minute preparations, you have access to the transition area and the transition tent.
It is recommended that you bring any nutritional items you plan to use during the race with you on the morning of the race and add them to your transition bags, rather than leaving them overnight.
Please note: This year the Transition Area (T1 and T2) is again located in Lumière Park. This park is located on the Weerwater and is 750 meters from the swim start. Please ensure that you leave the Transition Area on time for the swim start.
Location: Transition Area
Date and time: Long Distance Triathlon - Saturday 13th September 2025 | 06:00 - 07:30
Bring with you:
● Swim equipment
● Uniform and body decals check
● Timing chip
● Green bag – streetwear
● Personal needs bags
● All food/liquid you want to leave on the bike
● All food/liquid that you put in your Personal needs bag
Age-Group athletes must deposit their streetwear (green) bag at the drop area (near the swim start) before heading
to the start area. Athletes may not return to the transition area to collect their belongings until after 18:00. Only registered athletes with ID wristbands or accreditation cards and chips are allowed to enter the transition area. You can still access your red and blue transition bags on Race Day morning before the start, to make final changes to it.
Bike Mechanics and bike pumps will be available in the transition area on race morning. For last-minute preparations you have access to the transition area and the transition tent.
Please note: This year the Transition Area (T1 and T2) is again located in the Lumière Park. This park is located on the Weerwater and is 750 meters from the swim start. Please ensure that you leave the Transition Area on time for the swim start.
LOCATION: Transition zone
DATE AND TIME: Middle Distance Triathlon – Saturday 13th September 2025 | 06:00 - 09:15
BRING
● Helmet with stickers on your head
● Bicycle with sticker
● Trisuit
● Red bag – cycling gear
● Blue bag – running gear
● Green bag – streetwear
● Swimming equipment
● Any food/liquid you want to leave on your bike
Age Group athletes must deposit their streetwear bag (green) at the drop off area before proceeding to the start area.
Middle Distance Athletes are not allowed to return to the transition area to collect their bikes until 4:00 PM. Only registered athletes with wristbands are allowed to enter the transition area. Only registered athletes with wristbands and chips are allowed to exit the transition area with bags and bikes. You can still access your red and blue transition bags on Race Day morning before the start, to make final changes to it.
Glasses must be labeled with the athletes' starting number. There will be a table for glasses at the swim start and exit. If possible, we would like to encourage athletes to leave their glasses in their transition bags to prevent them from being lost or broken during transit. Alternatively, you can put a spare pair of glasses in your transition bags, in case something goes wrong when leaving your glasses behind at the swim start. Event organizers and volunteers are not responsible for the loss, theft or damage of glasses.
RULES AND PENALTIES
The 2025 Europe Triathlon Championships Long Distance Almere-Amsterdam is sanctioned by the World Triathlon Competition Rules.
It is the athlete's responsibility to be familiar with the rules of the competition.
Please contact the Technical Delegate for clarification on specific rules.
Any questions can be submitted by email using the contact details listed in this Athlete Guide.
At the 2025 Europe Triathlon Championship Long Distance Almere-Amsterdam, all elite athletes must conform to the approved National Federation Uniform colour/size. The Uniform must comply with the rules of the World Triathlon Uniform. Caps, helmets and number bands with logos are permitted. For more information, see Appendix F of the World Triathlon Competition Rules. Participants in the Open Series Long Distance or in the Middle Distance are not obliged to start in their National Federation Uniform.
Rules are less strict for Agegroup athletes, only your country code and World Triathlon logo need to be visible on the uniforms of Agegroup athletes.
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
Anti-doping rules, like competition rules, are sporting rules that create the conditions under which sport is practiced.
Athletes and other persons involved in the event accept these rules as a condition of participation. All athletes are subject to the Competition Testing by World Triathlon, the Athlete's National Federation, Anti-Doping Organizations or any other organization promoting events in triathlon.
**All athletes must ensure they have their official identification (Photo ID)**
Make sure you put this in your after-race bag (green bag).
You can find more information about the anti-doping rules HERE.
As an age group athlete competing in the 2025 Europe Triathlon Long Distance Championship, you are subject to
doping control.
If you are selected for an opening check, someone will contact you to report this. You may be asked to go to the doping control before the race; for example after picking up your registration package or when checking your bike into the transition area. The doping control supervisor and/or official will explain the procedure to you.
An anti-doping Age-Group Q&A is available:
https://www.triathlon.org/multimedia/video/age_group_anti_doping_qa1
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LONG
DISTANCE
COURSE MAPS
SWIM - 3.8KM
There is no swim warm-up possible.
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All Elite athletes are called to enter the water in order of starting number.
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Athletes are requested to remain in the area behind the starting line.
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As soon as the start horn sounds, the bodyboards turn away and the start is free.
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The start takes place in the direction of the Theater and the course is completed counter-clockwise.
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Access to the starting area is via Esplanade
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Athletes must enter their specific corral/start area 10 minutes before their start.
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Before entering the water, you will pass a MyLaps timing mat to register your presence.
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After 2 hours and 15 minutes (from your official start time)
BIKE - 180KM
The bike course consists of a lap of 90 kilometers that is ridden clockwise. Participants in the Long Distance and Aquabike complete this lap twice (180km). You will find a detailed map and GPX files for your GPS device via this link: https://afstandmeten.nl/index.php?id=3438912#google_vignette
(click on the Export button on the left to export the course to GPX or KML)
Please note that the route goes (partly) on roads that are normally not accessible to cyclists. Cycling on these roads is only allowed on race day! On other days, the cycle paths (near the roads) must be used.
There are 2 Bike Penalty Boxes along the course: at 50km (at aid station 3) and at 90km. It is important that if you receive a blue or yellow card while cycling, you must stop at the next penalty box.
Each bike lap has four aid stations. On the picture of the bike course, you can see where the aid stations are located. They are about 22.5 kilometers apart. Each aid station has a toilet.
The nutrition is supplied in the following order:
FOOD: Half bananas, Powerbar Energize Bar
GEL: Powerbar Energy Gel
ISO: Sports drinks; Powerbar Isoactive Lemon - Water Bottle 750ml
WATER: 750ml Water Bottle
Volunteers at the aid stations wear vests with the product they provide.
The coaching area - for Elite Athletes - on the bike course is located approximately 1 kilometer before the Havenkom in Almere Haven. The coaching area can be reached by public transport using the bus (bus line M1 towards Haven Centrum). The coaching area is indicated by signs. Only within this area are coaches allowed to supply the Elite's own nutrition. This is not allowed at other locations.
For Age Group athletes, there is a Personal Needs area nearby. Bags will be arranged in order of starting number and you must get them there yourself.
Please note that waste may only be thrown away 200 meters before and after an aid station. Do not litter the rest of the course with your waste. If you throw away materials such as cups, sponges, (water) bottles or empty containers, you risk disqualification. This rule applies to both the bike and run courses.
14:05 round 1
17:50 round 2
RUN - 42.2KM
The running course consists of a running section to the Esplanade (1800 meters) followed by four laps of 10.1 kilometers around the Weerwater in Almere. Laps go counter-clockwise and take you through the modern center of the city and over the former Floriade site. Counting the laps is the responsibility of the athletes themselves. The entire lap is paved.
You will find a detailed map and GPX files for your GPS device via this link: https://afstandmeten.nl/index.php?id=3844374
(click on the Export button on the left to export the course to GPX or KML)
The Run Penalty Box is located on the Meeresteinkade, at the end of the run lap, just before the Esplanade.
The run course has five aid stations, approximately 1.6km apart. The nutrition is provided in the following order:
GEL: Powerbar Energy Gel
FOOD: Currant buns, watermelon, bananas, oranges, Powerbar Energize bar
ISO: Sports drink; Powerbar Isoactive Lemon – paper cup
COLA: Cola – paper cup
WATER: Water – paper cup
A sixth aid station is located on the Esplanade that only serves water. Each aid station has a toilet. Volunteers at the aid station wear vests with the product they provide.
The coaching area - for the Elite Athletes - on the run course is located on the Koetsierbaan, right before the Spanbrug Hengelostraat
. The coaching area is clearly marked with signs. Only within this area are coaches allowed to supply the Elite's own nutrition. This is not allowed at other locations.
For Age Group athletes, the Personal Needs area is at the aid station at the exit of the stadium.
Bags will be arranged in order of starting number and you must get them there yourself.
Please note that waste may only be thrown away 200 meters before and after an aid station. Do not litter the rest of the course with your waste. If you throw away materials such as cups, sponges, (water) bottles or empty containers, you risk disqualification. This rule applies to both the bike and run courses.
22:05 (start of last round)
23:20 (finish)
LONG DISTANCE AQUABIKE
For the Aquabike, the information and courses for swimming and cycling are the same as for the Long Distance Triathlon.
When cycling, there is a junction just before the transition zone, on the left side of the road where the triathlon participants get off before the exit line. The finish of the Aquabike is on the right side of the road; this is marked with beach flags. After the finish, you can leave your bike in the transition area and walk to the finish on the Esplanade. Here you can finish under the red arch (your time stops immediately after cycling!) and it is where you will receive your T-shirt and medal.
LONG DISTANCE RELAY
Participants in the Relay alternate in the transition tent. A special waiting area has been set up here where participants can wait until their swimmer/cyclist returns from their specific leg. When passing on to the next athlete, the chip must be handed over and attached on the ankle of the next athlete. Participants in the Relay have access to the transition tent throughout the day but are asked to pay close attention so as not to hinder other participants.
Teams can finish together: at the bridge opposite the theater and just in front of the stadium, the swimmer and cyclist can join the runner and cover the last hundred meters together.
COURSE MAPS
SWIM - 1.9KM
There is no swim warm-up possible.
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Access to the starting area via Esplanade
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Athletes decide for themselves which start box/corral they will stand in based on their expected swimming time
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Before entering the water, you pass a MyLaps timimg mat and your time starts.
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After 1 hour and 25 minutes (from the last start)
BIKE - 94KM
The bike course consists of a lap of 94 kilometers that is ridden clockwise. Participants in the Middle Distance ride this lap once (95km). A detailed map and GPX files for your GPS device can be found at this link:
https://afstandmeten.nl/index.php?id=3438914
(click the Export button on the left to export the course to GPX or KML )
Please note that the route goes (partly) on roads that are normally not accessible to cyclists. Cycling on these roads is only allowed on race day! On other days, the cycle paths (near the roads) must be used.
There are 2 Bike Penalty Boxes along the course: at 50km (at aid station 3) and at 90km. It is important that if you receive a blue or yellow card while cycling, you must stop at the next penalty box.
Each bike lap has four aid stations. On the picture of the bike course, you can see where the aid stations are located. They are about 22.5 kilometers apart. Each aid station has a toilet.
The nutrition is supplied in the following order:
FOOD: Half bananas, Powerbar Energize Bar
GEL: Powerbar Energy Gel
ISO: Sports drinks; Powerbar Isoactive Lemon - Water Bottle 750ml
WATER: 750ml Water Bottle
Volunteers at the aid stations wear vests with the product they provide.
Please note that waste may only be thrown away 200 meters before and after an aid station. Do not litter the rest of the course with your waste. If you throw away materials such as cups, sponges, (water) bottles or empty containers, you risk disqualification. This rule applies to both the bike and run courses.
16:00
RUN - 21.1KM
The running course consists of a running section to the Esplanade (900 meters) followed by two laps of 10.1 kilometers around the Weerwater in Almere. Laps go counter-clockwise and take you through the modern center of the city and over the former Floriade site. Counting the laps is the responsibility of the athletes themselves. The entire lap is paved.
A detailed map and GPX files for your GPS device can be found via this link: https://afstandmeten.nl/index.php?id=3844374
(click the Export button on the left to export the course to GPX or KML).
The run course has five aid stations, approximately 1.6km apart. The nutrition is provided in the following order:
GEL: Powerbar Energy Gel
FOOD: Currant buns, watermelon, bananas, oranges, Powerbar Energize bar
ISO: Sports drink; Powerbar Isoactive Lemon – paper cup
COLA: Cola – paper cup
WATER: Water – paper cup
A sixth aid station is located on the Esplanade that only serves water. Each aid station has a toilet. Volunteers at the aid station wear vests with the product they provide.
Please note that waste may only be thrown away 200 meters before and after an aid station. Do not litter the rest of the course with your waste. If you throw away materials such as cups, sponges, (water) bottles or empty containers, you risk disqualification. This rule applies to both the bike and run courses.
19:00 (finish)
MIDDLE DISTANCE AQUABIKE
For the Aquabike, the information and courses for swimming and cycling are the same as for the Middle Distance Triathlon.
When cycling, there is a junction just before the transition zone, on the left side of the road where the triathlon participants get off before the exit line. The finish of the Aquabike is on the right side of the road; this is marked with beach flags. After the finish, you can leave your bike in the transition area and walk to the finish on the Esplanade. Here you can finish under the red arch (your time stops immediately after cycling!) and it is where you will receive your T-shirt and medal.
MIDDLE DISTANCE RELAY
Participants in the Relay alternate in the transition tent. A special waiting area has been set up here where participants can wait until their swimmer/cyclist returns from their specific leg. When passing on to the next athlete, the chip must be handed over and attached to the ankle of the next athlete. Participants in the Relay have access to the transition tent throughout the day but are asked to pay close attention so as not to hinder other participants.
Teams can finish together: at the bridge opposite the theater and just in front of the stadium, the swimmer and cyclist can join the runner and cover the last hundred meters together.
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MIDDLE
DISTANCE
MEDICAL
Write your medical details on the back of your bib number so that you can receive help quickly if it is needed. In addition to the information on the back of your bib number, you also have the option to create your Safe-ID
profile. The QR code on the back of your bib number allows medical services to scan the code and quickly access basic medical details and information on allergies you have provided to get you the medical care you need, when you need it.
If you need medical assistance on the course, please report to an Official or a Volunteer. The medical service has the right to refer participants to the hospital.
PLEASE NOTE: Athletes are responsible for having insurance for medical expenses.
Participants in the event declare that they have their own liability, accident and health insurance with the necessary coverage for their participation in the event. The Europe Triathlon and the LOC disclaim all responsibility in the event of accident, fall, loss, theft, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: Athletes are required to have health insurance for medical expenses.
When an athlete unexpectedly needs to go to hospital, he or she will go to the Flevo Hospital. The hospital is adjacent to the Esplanade event location.
PLEASE NOTE: It is necessary that the person is insured for transport by ambulance.
EVENT LOCATION
The Esplanade is the event location for the 2025 Europe Triathlon Long Distance Championships. All events take place on or around this site: Esplanade 10, 1315 TA Almere. The Transition Area (both T1 and T2) is located in Lumière Park: 750 meters from the Esplanade. This can be eache on foot. Take this distance into account for the start of your race.
Almere is a Green City. This means that we think about the environment. Almere is very easily accessible by public transport. From every station in the Netherlands there is a very fast and frequent connection to 'Almere Centrum'. If you are traveling within Europe, check out the travel options by train. From station Almere Centrum, it is only a 10-minute walk to the Esplanade. Of course, the event location can also be reached by bus. The nearest bus stops are 'Passage' or 'Flevoziekenhuis'.
Check out https://9292.nl/ for information about public transport to and from Almere Stad. Day tickets are available for the bus. More information about the day tickets can be found on the page:
https://www.allgobus.nl/nl-nl/vervoerbewijzen/kaartjes-e-tickets
Almere is just a 25-minute drive from Amsterdam. The nearest airport is Schiphol. This international airport offers connecting flights to various destinations. Almere is easily accessible from Schiphol by train, with several departures per hour.
Of course, Almere is also easily accessible by car. Please note: paid parking applies in large parts of Almere. If you spend the night in one of the many hotels, holiday parks or elsewhere, ask about parking options at this location.
The event location is best reached by car via the A6, taking junction 5 towards Almere Stad. At the end of the slip-road, turn left onto Veluwedreef (S103), taking you under the motorway, and follow the signs for Almere Stad (Centrum). Continue to follow the signs to “Centrum”, taking the 8th left onto Cinemadreef. Then turn left in front of the red building towards “Centrum-Zuid”. You are now in the center of Almere Stad.
For navigation systems, use 'Stadhuisgarage' or 'Hennepveld' in Almere Stad. The advice is to follow the municipal parking instructions for the last 500 meters to P4 or P5. These parking garages are located approximately 300 meters from the Esplanade. Please do not use the Hospitaalgarage/Hospitaalterrein car park.
PLEASE NOTE: Paid parking in Almere Center will cost up to €14,40 per day, however there is limited capacity in the various parking garages. Discount tickets for parking can be purchased for €6,50 to €8,00 at the Ticket desk in the Theater. (The discount for parking tickets is only available for parking in parking lots (garages) and not for parking spots on the streets nor the parking lots at Hennepveld.)
FREE PARKING
If you want to park for free and be assured of a parking space, we recommend parking at the Fanny Blankers-Koen Sportpark (Marathonlaan 10, 1318 EE, Almere) or the Almere City football club (Competitieweg 20, 1318 EA, Almere).
Near to these car parks you will find the ‘FBK Sportpark’ bus stop. From here you can travel to the Esplanade in 10 minutes on bus line M2. Day tickets are available for the bus. More information about the day tickets can be found on the page: https://www.allgobus.nl/nl-nl/transportbewezen/kaarts-e-tickets
The itinerary for this bus stop can be found on the Keolis website:
https://www.allgobus.nl/en-gb?_ga=2.215564244.257351288.1657701501-469071724.1657701501
It is also possible to rent a car for one or more days. If you are traveling from Schiphol, there are several car rental companies at Schiphol Plaza.
If you would like to rent a car in Almere, you can contact one of the companies below:
DIKS CAR RENTAL
CAR RADAR
SIXT
BO-RENT
HERTZ
http://www.hertz.nl/When you arrive in Almere, enjoy yourself and grab your bike! The event location is very easy to reach by bike. In addition, Almere has many dedicated bike paths making interaction with regular road traffic very limited.
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For Spectators
The race can be followed all day long on the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam YouTube channel with English commentary by Belinda Granger.
Omroep Flevoland provides the broadcast via their regional TV channel with Dutch commentary and can be viewed live on TV throughout the Netherlands.
3athlon.nl will also broadcast the race live on its website all day long.
During Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, you naturally want to be easy to follow for the public and spectators, or, if you are standing on the sidelines yourself, you want to stay as up-to-date as possible about your favorite athletes.
Be sure to download the Challenge Family App. This app features a comprehensive tracker where you can view the split times and finish times of all participants. The app is free to download:
Apple Store
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/challenge-family/id6745344476
Google Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.rtrt.app.cfa
You can also keep an eye on www.challenge-family.live. In addition to split times, you will also find constant updates about the pro race during the competition. You can also follow numerous updates and highlights via our social media channels.
INFORMATION DESK
If you have any questions after reading this athletes' guide, please contact our information desk during the race weekend. This can be found in the Theater (Kunstlinie).
In the weeks leading up to the 2025 Europe Triathlon Championship Long Distance you can email info@challenge-almere.com or call +31(0)36 534 59 31.
If you have any questions about the race regulations, please contact the technical delegates (contact details above).
If you find any item that appears to be lost, you can hand it in at the
information desk in the Theater. If you have lost something, always report it to the information desk. All items are brought here.
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TICKET DESK
You can purchase the following tickets at the ticket desk in the Theater:
- Parking tickets: €8,00 for a day pass.
- Extra Carbo-loading party tickets: €17.50 under 12 years / €25 for adults
At the ticket desk, you can register for the engraving of the medals. The cost for this service is €17.50
Prize Money
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Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony will take place on the Esplanade on Sunday 14th September at 11:00am. There will be a second award ceremony on the Saturday for the Middle Distance athletes.
If you are unable to attend the awards ceremony, your team manager or one of your teammates can collect your medal at the end of the ceremony.
The Top 3 men and women in the European Championship and the Top 3 men and women in the Dutch Championship will be briefly honored as soon as possible after the finish of the third athlete in the finishing stadium on Saturday 13th September.
The fastest male and female athletes from Almere on the Long Distance receive the annual Ruud Graman and Joop Visscher awards respectively.
These athletes will be honored as soon as they enter the finish stadium on Saturday 13th September.
For the Long Distance there will be a combined ranking of both European Championship series and the open series.
In the Long Distance European Championship series, prizes can be won in the following categories:
20-24, 25-29, 30-34 and further per 5 year category.
Dutch participants in the European Championship are also eligible for the Age Group titles for the Dutch Championship.
In the Open Age Group, prizes can be won in the following Long and Middle Distance categories: <24, 25-29, 30-34 and further per 5 year category.
For the Middle and Long Distance Aquabike, there are prizes in the following categories: <29, 30-39 and further per 10 year category
Athletes in the Long Distance in Almere competing for the 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th or 35th time this year will be recognized during the award ceremony. The list of jubilees can be found here: https://challenge-almere.com/history/jubilees/
Special prizes are offered by some of our partners.
ABUS
Fastest cycling time by age groupers on the Long or Middle Distance (man and woman) deserve an ABUS Gamechanger bicycle helmet.
X- Bionic
Fastest Running Time by age groupers on the Long and Middle distance (man and woman) earn an X- Bionic Dragon Fly Trisuit.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is one of the qualifying races for CHALLENGE FAMILY THE CHAMPIONSHIP. A total of 72 slots for the 2026 edition of THE CHAMPIONSHIP can be earned in Almere. For each Age Group, a prize awaits the top 6 finishers in these categories.
QUALIFICATION
Challenge Family Age Group Athlete slots:
-
One slot for the six fastest Age Group athletes in all Age Group categories of the Challenge Family Long Distance and Middle Distance races
-
Slots roll-down up to twelfth place in all categories.
-
Qualified athletes have four weeks to claim their starting ticket
-
Qualified athletes will receive their starting certificate by email after the race
Challenge Family Professional Athlete slots:
-
One slot for all male athletes who finish top six in the Challenge Family Long Distance race
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One slot for all female athletes who finish top six in the Challenge Family Long Distance race
-
Slots do not roll-down.
Discover more about THE CHAMPIONSHIP: https://thechampionship.de/
POST-RACE INFORMATION
After the finish, many volunteers are ready to guide you if necessary. First, you will receive your finisher’s medal, you can have a drink, and you get your finisher’s shirt. Should you need medical support at this point, volunteers are ready to guide you to the medical aid station in the Theater.
Inside the Theater, there is a buffet for the athletes with various types of food and drinks. The green streetwear bag that you dropped off before the race can be picked up at the Theater. Make sure that you have placed the sticker with your starting number on the green streetwear bag in advance. After the race, hand in the timing chip when picking up your bike and transition bags at the bike checkout.
After the race on September 13th there is the option for a massage. Naturally, athletes must have showered first. This can be done in the changing rooms in the Theater.
Reboots Recovery area for a massage by Reboots (next to the normal massage).
The bike check-out is in Lumière Park. After the race you will be asked to pick up your bike from the Transition Area (TA). The TA is only accessible to athletes with a participant wristband. You can only check out your bike and transition bags if you have your start number and your time registration chip with you. Check-out takes place on Saturday from 16:00 PM for the Middle Distance (this is only possible earlier if all cyclists are already inside) and from 18:00 PM for the Long Distance.
You will receive a Pro chip for timekeeping. At the Transition Area check-out, you must hand in this chip again. Without a chip it is not possible to take your belongings with you! If the chip is returned to another location, or if the chip is lost, an amount of € 25 will be charged. Athletes are requested to collect their helmet and red and blue transition bags at the same time as their bike.
If, for whatever reason, you withdraw from the race, inform someone from the Organization or a Technical Official (TO) as soon as possible. Even if you withdraw during the race, you are not allowed to pick up your bike before Saturday 16:00 PM for Middle Distance or 18:00 PM for Long Distance Triathlon.
Photos are taken by Marathonphotos. You can view and order these immediately after the race.
The results of the race can be found on our website: https://challenge-almere.com/
If you have found an object, you can deliver it to the information desk in the Theatre. If you have lost something, always report to the information desk. This is where all the items are brought.
In your search for the best components, you can do a lot: read reviews and product tests, browse forums, and of course see what the pros are riding. At CADEX, we believe that the best way to experience the CADEX advantage is to try it yourself. That’s why you can visit our dealers to schedule a test ride.
The CADEX dealer has the following products available for testing:
CADEX 50 Ultra Disc Tubeless WheelSystem
CADEX Boost Saddle
Want to schedule a test ride or try other CADEX products? Then contact your nearest CADEX dealer directly to make an appointment.
EXPO
During the 2025 European Triathlon Championships Long Distance there is also an exposition. Like previous years, this exposition will take place on the event site on the Esplanade. Various brands and suppliers will be present with a stand. You can meet all these brands and ask questions about the latest products which, in many cases, you can also test and/or purchase. This year we have the Erdinger Stage at the expo with PRO Interviews, Live podcast, Masterclasses, Product presentations and all kind of performances. Have fun!
DATE: Thursday, September 11th
LOCATION: Esplanade
TIME: 13:00 - 19:30
DATE: Friday, September 12th
LOCATION: Esplanade
TIME: 10:30 - 20:30
DATE: Saturday, September 13th
LOCATION: Esplanade
TIME: 07:00 - 19:30
This year, in addition to the Expo, there will also be a 'food & drink' court. In our food court you will find different types of food, from Italian dishes to grill and barbecue.
We use reusable cups for sustainability reasons. You pay a deposit for the cup the first time you get a drink. You can return this later and the deposit will of course be returned to you.
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TEAM CHALLENGE ALMERE-AMSTERDAM
The organization of CHALLENGE ALMERE-AMSTERDAM is mainly run by volunteers with a three-person Board that manages a team of managers. These managers each manage a group of volunteers in a given area. Prior to the event, numerous volunteers are busy with the preparations throughout the year. As an example, managers meet every six to eight weeks to plan organizational matters and take two weeks of their own time-off to set up and tear down the event. The race management and office staff work weekly all-year-round in the CHALLENGE ALMERE-AMSTERDAM office. More than 800 volunteers will help during the event.
Richard Belderok
Race Director
Jort Vlam
Commercial Director
Jefry Visser
Operations Director
The Race Management consists of Jort Vlam (42, Commercial Director), Richard Belderok (42, Race Director) and Jefry Visser (38, Event Director). All three grew up in Almere, coming into contact with the sport of triathlon at a young age and, themselves as triathletes, have all completed the Long Distance in Almere one or more times. In 2013, in collaboration with the Board of the Foundation, they supervised the transition from Holland Triathlon to CHALLENGE ALMERE-AMSTERDAM. They are also involved in the organization of CHALLENGE FAMILY, the TRI HARD Series and Start2Finish races in the Netherlands.
Arthur Lambregts
Manager Motor Brigade
Bart Bockhoudt
Manager Course / CP
Boudewijn Vlam
Manager Water Brigade
Carina Graman - van der Koogh
Manager Green bags
Corry Aarts
Secretariat / Info desk
Debby van Dongen
Office manager / Manager Registration
Chantal Theuns
Manager Volunteer Administration
Jan Cees Visser
Manager Run course
Fons Ketelaar
Manager Motor Brigade
Frank Veltman
Manager Start procedure
Gertjan Steltman
Manager Accommodation & VIP
Jelle Wiebenga
Manager Bike course
Henri Jacobs
Traffic Control Manager
Jolanda Felix
Event manager
Jacqueline Schoonderbeek
De Bruijn Manager Expo and Volunteers
Kirsten Klok
Manager Junior Challenge
Judith Ettema
Manager Athlete Care and CLP
Lianne van Dijk
Secretariat / Info desk
Marjan van Aken
Manager Junior Challenge
Otto van Rhijn
Manager Transition Area
Rik de Lange
Manager Water Brigade
Shanna Weterings
Manager Warehouse and Logistics
Sylvia de Vries
Manager Motor Brigade
Tim Moria
Manager PR & Media
Richard Treffers
Corporate ambassador / sponsor affairs
Roy Phillip
Manager Food court
Walter Hubers
Manager Security & Event Control
Bas Kuhlmann
Aid station Run 1
Chantal Theuns
Aid station Run 3
Debby Angenent
Aid station Run 2
Dick Nieskens
Aid station Run 3
Edgar Donkervliet
Coordinator lead cyclist
Derek Haenen
Coordinator Medi-Mere Kids Run
Inge Philip
Coordinator Volunteer Care
Jan de Veen
Aid station Run 1
Jeanette Hendriks
Coordinator Warehouse & Logistics + Aid station Bike 4
Joanette Peeters
Coordinator Outdoor Athlete Care
Juanan Fernandez
Coordinator Award Ceremony
Kim Kodde
Aid station Bike 2
Theo Hagman
Coordinator Doping Control
Marius van Gasteren
Coordinator Volunteer Care
Mandy van Bleijswijk
Coordinator Registration
Roely van Grinsven
Coordinator Registration
Martin Reinders
Coordinator Run course
Menno Wijkhuizen
Coordinator Water Brigade Kayak / Canoeists
Niek Withagen
Coordinator Warehouse & Logistics + Aid station Bike 1
Petra Bus
Aid Station Bike 3
Remko Evenboer
Aid station Run 5
Renske Sellwood
Coordinator Changing Tent
Geoffrey Fokkens
Coordinator Water Brigade Divers/Snorkelers
Rob Fokkens
Coordinator Water Brigade Divers/Snorkelers
Sebastiaan de Reij
Aid station Run 2
Suzanne de Veen
Aid station Run 1
Willemijn Huizinga-Heijnen
Coordinator Waterpost Esplanade
Martin van Straten
Pro Liaison
Tije Vlam
Stadium speaker
CONTACT INFORMATION
Richard Belderok
Race Director
Phone Number: +31(0)36 – 534 59 31
Information email address: info@challenge-almere.com
Europe Triathlon Office
Phone Number: +32 478825456
Information email address: etu_hq@etu.triathlon.org
John Petrides
Europe Triathlon Technical Delegate
E-mail: jgpsp@blueyonder.co.uk
Svebor Heruc
Europe Triathlon Assistant Technical Delegate
E-mail: s_heruc@yahoo.com
General emergency number 112
Police (no emergency, but police) +31(0)900 – 8844
General practice center +31(0)900 – 203 0 203
Leonardo Hotel Almere City Center +31(0)36 – 527 45 00
Leonardo Hotel Lelystad City Center +31(0)320 – 242 444
PLAZA Premium Almere +31(0)36 – 303 62 00
Van der Valk Hotel Almere* +31(0)36 – 800 08 00
Holiday Inn Almere +31(0)36 - 205 70 00
Ibis Hotel Almere +31(0)36 – 200 22 44
Bastion Hotel Almere +31(0)36 – 536 77 55
NH Hotel Bussum +31(0)35 – 695 99 11
Center Parcs De Eemhof +31(0)36 – 522 91 00
Camping Waterhout +31(0)36 – 547 06 32
Shuttle Service
* On Saturday morning, September 13, 20245, there is a shuttle service from Hotel Van der Valk to the start/finish area. The first shuttle leaves at 5:30am, then every half hour, with the last shuttle at 8:30am. The cost is €7 per person.
You can register via email -> info@challenge-almere.com
CLOSING WORDS
The organization, managers, officials and more than 800 volunteers of the 2025 Europe Triathlon Championships Long Distance Almere-Amsterdam wish everyone a fantastic race and many (personal) records.
You loved Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, now why not join thousands of athletes enjoying the same unbeatable Challenge Family experience in iconic destinations in 27 countries around the world?
See you at the finish line!
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