Around 400 kick scooter riders completed the 39th edition of the Stepelfstedentocht tour on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The event followed the famous Elfstedentocht route in Bolsward despite an active heat protocol.
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A total of 485 people originally registered for the 17-hour journey. Sunny conditions required extensive endurance and support vehicles.
First-aid responders faced a relatively quiet day during the grueling event, according to organizing committee member Rien Zwart.
He described the medical incidents as minor.
The event did not officially operate as a race.
However, Mente de Boer and Jetse Genee crossed the finish line together as the fastest male participants just after 4:00 p.
m.
De Boer, who is 2.04 meters tall, secured his eighth career victory out of nine editions alongside Genee.
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He noted that weather conditions became ideal after initial heat concerns faded.
Genee explained that the duo chose to finish side-by-side rather than battling for a solo victory. Large crowds gathered on Gijsbert Japicxlaan to watch the finish.
Ten minutes after the leading men arrived, Lonneke Zijlstra crossed the finish line as the fastest female participant.
She credited her physical preparation but acknowledged the psychological difficulty of the final stretch.
Individual participant Johannes Miedema finished the tour alone after his exhausted companions told him to pull ahead during the hottest sections.
He recovered his pace along the sea dike and completed the journey approximately 15 minutes ahead of his teammates.
Another local participant, René from Bolsward, also completed the intensive 17-hour journey successfully.
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Zijlstra and Miedema both planned to remain in Bolsward on Monday to watch and support the upcoming Fietselfstedentocht cycling event.
