Beth Potter and Marten Van Riel Ready To Defend SLT Arena Games Titles In Rotterdam

Beth Potter and Marten Van Riel will be back to defend their titles as the SLT Arena Games Powered by Zwift heads to Rotterdam.

The duo took the honours after a thrilling afternoon of racing at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London last month and head a strong start list for the trip to the Netherlands on Sunday, April 18 (2-4pm local time).

Beth Potter SLT Arena Games Super League Triathlon

Potter followed up her victory in London by running a world record 5km time on the road, but will face stiff competition at Rotterdam’s Zwemcentrum, including from Sophie Coldwell who was level on points before the final round at the Aquatics Centre.

Potter said: “I came to London after a big block this winter and a lot of last year as well and it was really nice to have a race and something to work towards. I really enjoyed it and I don’t often get the chance to do a format like this.

“I felt like I was quite good in the transitions and I practised a couple of times in training. I have worked really hard this winter and last winter on my swim so it was nice to see it come together. It was savage racing. Really hard.”

Marten Van Riel_20210327_SLT_Arena_London_Mens_0283

Van Riel also put a long spell of injury frustration behind him. He will again be challenged by Alex Yee, while Vasco Vilaca is looking to make up for a disappointing outing last time having finished second in Rotterdam in 2020.

“It’s super special,” said Van Riel of his win. “I was even a little uncertain one week before if I could race. It is a big field and I wanted to be a part of it and do everything to stand on the line. I’m super happy and super thankful that Super League could put this on.”

The line-up for Rotterdam also features Dutch favourites Rachel Klamer and Maya Kingma as well as hometown hero Marco van der Stel. There is also a fairytale story for 22-year-old Rani Skrabanja, who won the women’s invitational event in 2020 and now steps into the elite field.

Women: Rachel Klamer, Beth Potter, Lisa Tertsch, Sophie Coldwell, Alice Betto, Maya Kingma, Ilaria Zane, Kate Waugh, Anna Godoy, Rani Skrabanja.

Men: Marten Van Riel, Alois Knabl, Jonas Schomburg, Vasco Vilaca, Aurelien Raphael, Anthony Pujades, Daniel Baekkegard, Alex Yee, Marco van der Stel, Felix Duchampt.