Monthly Archives: October 2015

WTS Tongyeong: tough year

Category : Racing , South-Korea

Last weekend the 2015 triathlon season finally ended for me.

It has been a very tough year, both physically and mentally.(And my last race in South Korea hasn’t been any different.) After suffering a mononucleosis infection at the beginning of this year, I never managed to regain my best fitness level. Although I did experience some moments of success (for example the good performance at the Military World Games two weeks ago, where I finished 4th individually and 3rd as a team with my Belgian team mates), my out-of-shape body prevented me to perform at a high level in the international races.
Saturday I lost too much time in the swimming stage and it soon became apparent that I wouldn’t be able to catch up during the cycling and running. Especially mentally, it was tough mentally to keep going. I considered stepping out of the race but I kept going, out of respect for the organization, for my sponsors, for my employer…

Now it is time to rest. My body needs it. My mind needs it. I’m looking forward to a two-week rest after which I’ll begin the slow build-up towards 2016. In 2016, when my body will be 100% again, things can only go better.

 


YES! We did it!

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Category : Racing , South-Korea

Today our Belgian military team won the bronze medal in the Military World Games!

It was a great experience to be on that podium together with Bart, Thomas and Marten next to Korea and Brazil.Individually I ended 4th, not far from the podium. But I must admit that the numbers one, two and three were too strong for me today. After a fairly good swimming number (in a turbulent sea), the head of the race regrouped during cycling. I got a good start at the running, but after 1,5km I could no longer follow the fastest runners. Halfway through the race I had dropped back to 9th but, after a while, I got back into my rhythm and was able to move up to 4th place. Running felt a whole lot better than the during last few races and I felt great.

This race boosts my morale for my preparation for the last race of the season in Tongyeong (South Korea) in two weeks. Thanks to the Belgian delegation, which contributed to this unique experience. #topsportdefensie


Flashforward and throwback to the Military World Games

Category : Racing , South-Korea

Although the major triathlon of the year takes place tomorrow evening (Belgian time) in Hawaii, I won’t be there. My teammates and I will appear tomorrow morning (6:00 Belgian time) in Pohang (South Korea) at the start of the Military World Games.As a team we’ve a reputation to defend: four years ago the Belgian team won a bronze medal. Bart, Marten, Thomas and I will try to match this result, but it’ll be pretty difficult, since two figureheads of Topsport Defense are starting in Hawaii and not in Pohang. (See photos from the podium in 2011 to find out who these toppers are!) Our main competitors today are the French, the Brazilian and the Russian team.