Ann Hertig seized this opportunity and spontaneously signed up Liesbeth Deddens and herself without any consultation. Ann already knew from the many competitions they had competed in together that Liesbeth is always up for such sporting experiences. It was a case of double luck, because apart from winning a starting place, Liesbeth confirmed that she could be there on that date. From then on, nothing stood in the way of the two of them preparing for the competition. Or rather, almost nothing. Ann's collarbone fracture in April demanded patience and rest. But as the two of them said when asked about a training plan: “We train according to our mood and ability”. With this motto in mind, Ann was soon able to recover from the injury. Already on June 01, 2025 she fought her way through our partner event Stadttriathlon Erding (News), from whom she had also won the starting place in our prize draw, came 3rd in her age category.

How it started

"With my long and flat commute to work - back then still in the Netherlands - road cycling made the most sense. A habit later turned into a hobby," said Liesbeth. However, her interest in sport began as a child. She used to go jogging with her mother and developed an increasing love of endurance sports. After moving to Switzerland with her boyfriend, she covered more and more meters in altitude. Either on a racing bike or on touring skis.

Ann was used to spending time outdoors from an early age. Her nature-loving nature led her to the mountains again and again. Together with her husband and dog, she decided to move from the Netherlands to Switzerland. The move also brought sporting changes. First as a Team of Five member, then in a couple and later twice as a single, she took part in the Gigathlon. There she was actively supported by Liesbeth. Ann then got a taste of the Inferno air when she took part in the triathlon as a single in 2022 and 2023, once again cheered on by Liesbeth, of course.

Better together

Even though the two don't always train together, the shared sporting experience has a special value for them: "Being together is simply a completely different experience. You can see each other's progress and support each other along the way," said Liesbeth. Ann added: “It gives me incredible mental strength, and it's just even more fun to know that someone is with you.” The two also agree that they can practice their chosen disciplines with more focus and more power as a pair. It is already clear that Ann will swim and Liesbeth will complete the road bike course. Which of them will rock the mountain bike course and which will rock the running course will depend on who feels better prepared for what shortly beforehand.

Challenge and highlight

The two already know from previous competitions that they can achieve the distances. “The real challenge is therefore to maintain a healthy balance between preparing well and not overtaxing the body,” said Liesbeth. In addition to the anticipation of another shared sporting experience, the beautiful backdrop is also a highlight. After completing the Erding City Triathlon and the Inferno Triathlon, Ann's conclusion is: “Both events are brilliantly organized and the atmosphere on site is an extraordinary experience!” The two of them definitely don't want to miss out on this hellish pleasure on August 16, 2025.

Copyright

Alphafoto (Stoos Trail), Alphafoto (Eiger Trail), Titelbild Emma Pooley, Phil Gale & Emmie Collinge (Vertical Coffee - Back by four), Emma Pooley