(c) James Mitchell
Since 2000 Yvonne van Vlerken has been competing in triathlon and duathlon competitions and has found her great passion in this sport. More than 110 times the 41-year-old was on the starting line at IRONMAN and Challenge races. She is European Champion and Dutch Champion on the long distance, won 17 long distance races and over 20 middle distances. In 2019 she said goodbye with a victory in her 45th long distance race. In addition to professional sports, Van Vlerken also works as a trainer for her team “Sirius Tri Club” and founded Team Sirius Europe.
Due to her father, who comes from Linz, Yvonne has always had a strong connection to Austria. In 2007 the Dutchwoman moved to her adopted home in Vorarlberg , where she still lives today. The best thing about Austria for her? Definitely pancakes (in Austrian Palatschinken), she tells laughing. With her Dutch version, the Vonsy pancakes, she has already satisfyed some guests and conquered the heart of her present husband Per van Vlerken (formerly Bittner). But she also has a lot in common with Austria in sports. “I always had a good connection to Austria. Competitions in Austria are always a lot of fun for me. Especially the race in St. Pölten lives through a unique atmosphere and it is always nice to come back there”, she says smilingly. “I have a particularly intense memory of the 2010 race, which I was able to win in the finish sprint”. https://bit.ly/2R1bBB2
All together Yvonne, called Vonsy, was 9 times at the start in St. Pölten and could win the race twice and stand on the podium several more times.
In 2020 she returns to St. Pölten with her whole team to support her athletes. “I am looking forward to St. Pölten, the team is doing an excellent job and I am proud to be part of the Challenge St. Pölten as a testimonial myself”.
