Who is Team BestGole?
Team BestGole is a Dutch rowing team formed by four friends—Jeroen van den Berg, Frans van Leeuwen, Enrique Gomez, and Ko Steenman—who are set to participate in the 2025 edition of the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic Challenge. This is a grueling, unsupported 5,000 km transatlantic rowing race from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean, often described as the world’s toughest rowing race.
Team Members
- Jeroen van den Berg
- Frans van Leeuwen
- Enrique Gomez
- Ko Steenman
The Challenge
The team will row 24/7 in shifts of two hours for approximately five weeks, covering nearly 5,000 kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean.
Their boat for the race is named "Thor," a D34 model built for ocean rowing.
Preparation began as early as 2022, involving intensive training, nautical education, and logistical planning.
Their Mission
The adventure is not just a personal challenge but also a charitable mission. Team BestGole is raising funds and awareness for "Spieren voor Spieren," a Dutch charity supporting children with muscular diseases.
Their goal is to raise at least €10,000 for the cause, but they aim to surpass this amount through sponsorships and donations.
Background and Motivation
The team members are experienced in endurance sports and ocean rowing, with backgrounds ranging from sloeproeien (traditional Dutch rowing) to ultramarathons and military service.
The name "BestGole" is derived from the first two letters of each team member’s surname and also stands for "Goed Doel" (Good Cause), highlighting their commitment to charity.
How to Support: https://www.npo3fm.nl/kominactie/acties/de-atlantische-oceaan-over-voor-spieren-voor-spieren?page=2
-The team welcomes support in the form of donations, sponsorships, and spreading their story. They offer various ways for individuals and companies to get involved, including promotional opportunities and rowing clinics.
Race: World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic Challenge, December 2025
Route: La Gomera (Canary Islands) to Antigua (Caribbean)
Boat: "Thor" (D34 model)
Charity: Spieren voor Spieren
Team BestGole exemplifies extreme teamwork, endurance, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact beyond the sport itself.