Endurance Sports Development Point Foundation: Brabant will also receive a replacement for the lost RTC

After it emerged at the end of last year that the NTB was discontinuing the various Regional Training Centers (RTCs), alternatives were sought at various locations. For example, the so-called Triathlon Academy Almere was founded in Almere and the so-called Endurance Sports Development Point Foundation (DOP) is now following in Brabant.

“After the NTB’s decision to stop the RTCs at the end of 2023, the training structure in Brabant for young triathletes was in danger of disappearing. The establishment of DOP has temporarily guaranteed the continuity of talent recognition and talent development in Brabant. The Foundation will largely take over the role that the RTC Brabant had until the end of 2023,” states a press release that has just been sent out.

The training and coaching of the athletes affiliated with DOP is provided by Armand van der Smissen and Toine van Diessen. They will, as stated in the press release, be assisted by ‘a number of external experts’. “DOP’s main goal is to provide structured guidance and support to triathletes in the province of Brabant and the surrounding area. This sporting development towards successful triathlete/duathlete at national and international level goes hand in hand with developing the athletes as persons in a safe sporting environment where young people enjoy going. The Foundation offers training almost every day. Athletes who live a little further away join us at the weekend and occasionally during the week.”

Van der Smissen says the following. “We believe in a broad group of athletes who can push each other to a higher level. The main criterion for admission is, in addition to a certain basic level, the will to improve and be part of the team. The athletes like to come to the training sessions, also to see and meet each other: that is of value that should not be underestimated.”