2024 was Marten Van Riel's year. Or at least it was on the T100 circuit, where the Belgian pro proved his mastery over the 100k race format, winning three races and finishing a close second to take the inaugural title and the $210k champion's cheque at the final race.
The 32-year-old had less luck elsewhere, most notably at his third and final Olympics in Paris. After a sixth-place finish in Rio and an agonising fourth in Tokyo, he was hoping for another solid result. Twenty-second was the best he could do on an unusual day for the sport that would propel him into the limelight in a way in which he'd never imagined (more later).
And then there was Ironman Cozumel at the end of the year, where Van Riel hoped to qualify for his first Worlds, just seven days after his T100 series victory. But after leading until 175km on the bike, Van Riel hit a pothole, swerved into the side of the road and hit a little girl who was spectating. Van Riel, despite suffering an elbow injury, completed the race but finished seventh, two places shy of Nice qualification. Luckily, after a trip to the local hospital, the girl was treated for a cut finger and took photos with Van Riel, who gave her his finisher's medal.
Hoping for a more settled year, Van Riel knows he'll also have his work cut out as a raft of big names joins the T100 roster for 2025. But for now we find him in Girona, where he trains with Glenn Poleunis's PTC Coaching outfit, as he reflects on that tumultuous 2024 and plans ahead for what promises to be another scintillating season...
220: The news has just broken that Cassandra Beaugrand will be joining your training squad this year. What are you hoping to learn from the Olympic champion?
この記事は 220 Triathlon の April 2025 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は 220 Triathlon の April 2025 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
RACING A TRIATHLON AS A TEAM
THERE ARE HUGE BENEFITS TO RACING A TRIATHLON AS A TEAM. IT'S A CHANCE TO WORK TO YOUR STRENGTHS AND ADD TO THE FUN. HERE'S HOW...
THIS IS WHY WE DO IT
As he bids adieu to 220 Triathlon, coach Ben reflects on why we keep training and racing, even when we can't all be winners...
PLANT-POWERED PERFORMANCE
Keen to maximise your performance and reduce the amount of meat you eat? Then Michelin-starred chef and sports nutritionist Alan Murchison is the man to ask.
LONDON CALLING
In an event for the ages, COROS athlete Alex Yee will take on this year's TCS London Marathon. Here's how he's training for it...
KIT ZONE
THE LATEST GEAR - TESTED BY EXPERTS
THE RIEL DEAL
He's Belgium's Mr Consistent, and after a triumphant season on the new Tioo circuit is now considered one of the world's top middle-distance athletes. We caught up with Marten Van Riel as he gears up for his toughest year yet...
TACKLE THE TOUGHEST CONDITIONS
When the going gets tough... We ask the toughest for advice. Meet three professional athletes known for conquering the most gruelling swim, bike and run conditions...
BIKE TEST: THE FRENCH CONNECTION
Decathlon's Van Rysel bike brand is making waves at the peak of the pedalling performance pyramid. Will it do the same at the £4,000 mark? James Witts finds out aboard its RCR road bike...
RUNNING JACKETS
In the grisly weather, a jacket is a must for warmth and waterproofing on most runs. Eight women's versions are put through their paces on the trails...
"BEING SHOT THREE TIMES MOTIVATED ME TO RACE IRONMAN"
Being the innocent victim of a drive- by shooting almost cost Brandon Peacock his life. Determined not to be beaten, he's now training for an Ironman to fundraise for charity
