DTS Zandvoort: race a triathlon on an F1 track (and the best value middle distance in the Netherlands)
By Brian McGuigan · 3 November 2026 · 2 min read
There is nothing like the DTS Grand Prix Zandvoort: you get to race on the F1 track.
What it is
The DTS Grand Prix Zandvoort is run by the Dutch Triathlon Series (DTS) at Circuit Zandvoort, the Formula 1 track of the Dutch Grand Prix. It's usually in June (the 2026 edition was on 13 June).
- Swim in the sea at Zandvoort.
- Bike on the circuit itself.
- Run on the track around the circuit.
- Distances: sprint and Olympic, raced on your own or as a team.
Supporters can watch from the main grandstand.
Now there's a middle distance too
DTS now has a middle distance, at a fraction of the cost of the big brands. For me there's no better value for money.
It's at DTS HLMRMEER, in the Haarlemmermeerse Bos near Hoofddorp:
- Middle distance: 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21.1 km run.
- Swim in the Haarlemmermeerse Plas.
- Bike: one 90 km lap that takes in the Rondje Ringvaart, around the polder.
- Olympic (1.5 km, 40 km, 10 km) and sprint (750 m, 20 km, 5 km) distances on the same weekend.
- Parking at the venue is free.
At the time of writing, the DTS site lists the next edition for 18 July 2027. Check the DTS HLMRMEER page before you book.
How it compares
The other middle distances in the Netherlands are IRONMAN 70.3 Westfriesland in Hoorn, usually in June, and Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, usually in September, which also has a full distance. Challenge Almere was a good race. With IRONMAN the hard part is getting a place: I haven't managed one in the Netherlands, because they sell out too quickly.
All of them, and the big races abroad, are in the events calendar.
Before race day
- Race time and pacing: your likely finish time and splits for sprint, Olympic or middle distance.
- Carb and fuelling planner: what to eat and drink per hour on the bike and run.
- Tyre pressure: the right pressure for the circuit or the polder roads.
- Shop: race kit, wetsuits and tri suits at the best current prices.
See you on the track.
Brian