Bert has been participating in triathlon in Abbekerk for 33 years: “Clear the agenda for it”

When the triathlon was held in Abbekerk for the first time, the now 67-year-old Bert Odie from Abbekerk was ready to start. “I like a challenge. I’m a swimmer myself, and I don’t hate cycling or walking,” he says when asked why he’s participating. “I am active all year round, and I try to cycle all year round and run several laps a week. In addition, I skate at the ice rink in Hoorn in the winter.”

Odie praises the village feeling during the triathlon. “It is very much alive. Also because of the people who sign up as volunteers. I have always taken my hat off to that,” he says. “About twenty years ago it became less and seemed to disappear like other triathlons. But fortunately through adjustments it started to come alive again.”

Despite the fact that the Abbekker does a lot for the sport, he also enjoys life. The 67-year-old Odie says to drink a beer or eat fries. “I recently retired, and in addition to two children, I also have five grandchildren. They often have priority and go with us on holiday or other outings. A number of them are standing by the side on Sunday for support. That is a nice feeling, when you walk by.”

On his fiftieth birthday, his wife, son, and daughter challenged him to the triathlon. For example, they claimed that the three of them together would be faster than Bert alone. “They then participated in costume. That was great fun, but they didn’t succeed. They were all a bit upset about that then,” laughs Bert.

This Sunday, Odie will be at the start of the Triathlon Abbekerk for the 33rd time, and he will swim a quarter of the swimming, cycling and walking distance. “Last year I finished in three hours and two minutes. This year I want to try to get just under three hours. You could call that the sporting or competitive aspect. With a friend of mine from Opperdoes, who has been participating for 35 years , we have a kind of competition and the challenge is who can last the longest. As long as it goes, I want to keep going. I hope to be able to do it for years to come.”

Swimming at De Spetter, walking and cycling on the course

The first time the triathlon was organized in Abbekerk coincided with the 20th anniversary of village center De Nieuwe Haven, in 1984. According to Sjaak Ros of the organization, it rained heavily that day, but that did not stop the participants from participating. doing. Also this year the finish is at the village hall, where Ros brings everyone in.

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The sporting event now has more than 300 participants and about 150 volunteers. Participants cannot complete full distances, but opt ​​for an eighth or a quarter triathlon. According to Ros, the unique thing about the event is the possibility to run not only for yourself, but also with others. “You can sign up as a duo, or with three people,” he explains. “That also makes it fun to compete. With neighbors or family, for example.”

Where other triathlons start in open water, Abbekerk’s starts at swimming pool De Spetter, in five lanes. Participants start in different groups. Cycling and running are on a set course of several kilometers. “People who participate therefore walk past each other, and often run into the others,” says Ros. Because of the jubilee, the organization of the Triathlon Abbekerk hopes that everyone will fly the flag.