For the third year running, Belgium’s Jolien Vermeylen proved untouchable in Holten, taking victory once again at the Europe Triathlon Cup. Having previously outsprinted Dutch stars Rachel Klamer (2023) and Maya Kingma (2024), this time Vermeylen didn’t need a sprint finish as she simply ran away from the field under hot and demanding Dutch conditions.
The women’s race unfolded with a large group staying together throughout the bike leg, entering T2 tightly packed. While some athletes struggled with the pace, Vermeylen did what she’s become known for on Holten’s streets: delivering a powerful and decisive run. Unlike in previous editions, no one was able to match her stride this time. She crossed the line solo in 56:01. France’s Desirae Ridenour took second in 56:26, with Germany’s Tanja Neubert rounding out the podium in 56:36.
The men’s race echoed the women’s dynamic: a tightly grouped bike leg that set up a run showdown. However, unlike last year’s Dutch celebration with Mitch Kolkman’s victory, the home nation was left off the podium. Instead, Germany’s Lasse Nygaard Priester proved the strongest on the run, pulling away early and holding his lead to the finish despite pressure from behind.
Nygaard Priester broke the tape in 50:46, just ahead of Britain’s Connor Bentley (50:55), with fellow Brit Solomon Okrafo-Smart claiming third in 51:02.