This weekend, Dutch triathlete and Amacx athlete Els Visser is racing on home soil at Triathlon Almere-Amsterdam. As the second-oldest full-distance triathlon in the world, and the stage for both the European and Dutch Championships in long distance triathlon, it’s a race steeped in history. For Els, it’s also an opportunity to connect with her roots to deliver the performance she knows she’s capable of, and embrace the unique energy of competing in front of a home crowd.
Racing at Home
Racing in the Netherlands is something special for Els Visser. The crowds, the atmosphere, and the support from family and friends all play their part. Instead of pressure, she feels pride. She explains:
“The cheers from the home crowd give me energy. It’s about enjoying the moment and creating memories.”
This year’s race has even greater meaning with the release of her documentary Resilience. The film dives into Els’ remarkable journey from surviving a shipwreck in Indonesia to becoming one of the world’s leading triathletes. It highlights not just her physical strength, but also the mental toughness and perseverance that have defined her career.
For Els, the documentary is a way to inspire others by showing that resilience can transform setbacks into opportunities. That makes Almere not just a competition, but also a celebration of her story. Watch the documentary Resilience here.
Goals for Almere
Els Visser is clear about what she wants from the race: to perform at the level she knows she’s capable of, but also to enjoy the process. Almere is one month before Kona, so it’s an important preparation race. For Els, it’s a chance to test her body and mind, refine her rhythm, and carry valuable experience into October.
Race Strategy
Her plan for Almere is built on simplicity and focus. She won’t get distracted by competitors; instead, she’ll race her own race. By breaking it down into small moments, focusing on the next ten seconds, Els stays present in the moment, no matter how tough it gets.
Mental preparation is also important. Normally, Els takes the time to control what she can: knowing the course, having everything organized, and creating calm around herself in the final days before the start. For this race, her attention has been drawn to the release of her documentary, leaving less room than usual to create that calm.
Precision Nutrition
Fueling is central to Els’ performance, and her strategy for Almere is clear. Her pre-race nutrition is simple: carb-rich foods without fiber, spices, or vegetables, like plain pasta, white toast with honey or jam, and bananas.
During the race, Els follows a precise plan. On the bike, she’ll take in 120 grams of carbs per hour with the Amacx Turbo Line, while staying hydrated with plenty of water. On the run, she’ll grab a gel every 6 km, five from the Energy line and two from the Turbo line, adjusting slightly depending on how she feels. She also takes a couple of caffeine tablets to sharpen focus and concentration.
Tackling the Almere Course
Compared to hilly races where descents bring short moments of relief, Almere is flat and requires constant power and focus. There’s no break from the pressure on the legs or the demands of the aero position. That’s why Els has spent so much time training on her race bike, adapting to hold that position for hours on end.
Choosing a favourite part of the race isn’t easy. Els loves the rhythm of the bike, the energy of the run with supporters lining the course, and of course, the unforgettable feeling of crossing the finish line.
Advice for Athletes
For those racing Almere alongside her, Els Visser has one clear message:
“Just believe on yourself. You’ve done all the hard work, you’ve done all the training, now it is time to enjoy and race with your heart.”
Summary
Els Visser will take on Challenge Almere-Amsterdam with pride and focus. Racing at home, in the same week her documentary Resilience is released, makes this start line even more special. For Els, Almere is not just about results: it’s about embracing the support of the home crowd and celebrating the journey that brought her here.
