Organization Ironman satisfied with edition despite commotion and hopes for follow-up

The event was in the national news because of the ambulances that had to be deployed to take spectators and participants who had become unwell to the hospital. The North Holland North Safety Region reports that sixteen people have been transported to hospital by ambulance. “The continuity of care in our region has been guaranteed,” says a spokesperson. “In the preparations, the deployment of extra ambulances and extra medical personnel has been taken into account.”

Not even criticism

Bakker says that he disagrees with the criticism of the event, which called for the triathlon to be shortened or even cancelled. “As an organization, we are preparing for such an event throughout the region. We have anticipated the weather by installing sufficient water points and taking other measures.”

For example, at the start on the water there were ten lifeboats, eight people on a SUP board, and two ambulances that took up a place near the course. In total, the organization had five ambulances available during Ironman, in case they needed to be called.

“We switched with the various services during the event in many areas. The participants were also able to prepare well for the warm temperatures,” Bakker continues. “By taking into account their clothing, taking extra food or water, and adjusting the time they set themselves as a goal.”

He finds it very annoying that people have become unwell, says Bakker. “But at the number of 2,000 participants – of which 1,500 participated in the Ironman 70.3 half triathlon – the number is not so large that you endanger care. Or that we think that something like this can no longer be organized in West Friesland. a normal sports weekend in the summer or winter can also occur in this kind of numbers.”

Evaluation and impact research

According to a municipal spokesman, there is a standard heat protocol. “And that is being acted upon. The heat protocol seems to have worked well on Sunday,” she says. “That does not alter the fact that we also have the questions that are being asked now. We will therefore evaluate this event extensively.” Four local factions of the municipality of Hoorn have the council a letter sent with eighteen questions about the past event.

Eddy Bakker of the Westfriesland Events foundation also announces that all parties will soon meet to evaluate the last edition. “The learning moments and points for improvement will be discussed there.”

Bakker hopes that the event will not disappear from the region. “In recent years, we have done research into the impact that such an event has on the region,” he explains. “It emerged that Ironman has generated one million euros more for the economy in recent years. We think that this can grow to two million euros more for West Friesland in the coming years.”

“It would be a shame if Ironman disappeared,” Bakker continues. “What this region looks like is such a beautiful thing. We are now the only one in the Netherlands, after the triathlon in Maastricht has disappeared. If you think it is important, and it also gives a boost in other areas in addition to a positive economic impact, then you I think you should keep it up. We hope to have more clarity during or after the summer. That is also important for the 300-400,000 members who are affiliated with Ironman and are planning for next editions.”

Heroic achievement

Owner Ronald Vos of the Bikkeltraining in Hoorn is proud of the 50 members of his team who participated in the Ironman West-Friesland. They all managed to swim, run and cycle the entire triathlon. “They are athletes, so in principle they should all be able to handle it,” he says. “The temperature made it more spectacular to cover all the distances.”

There has been one Bikkel training participant who overheated during the Ironman and had to go to the emergency room. “But after ten minutes it was patched up again to finish the triathlon. The heat even made the performance of all participants a little more heroic.”

The owner of Bikkeltraining Hoorn speaks of a big party in West Friesland. “The measures they took went well. You always have to take the heat into account anyway,” says Vos.

Vos doubts whether the event will also be organized in West Friesland next year. “That also depends on the evaluation,” he explains. “But the mayor wants to make Hoorn the healthiest municipality in the Netherlands. These kinds of events also help a lot with that.”