South-Korea Archieven - Simon De Cuyper

23 October 2016
simondc
0

World Cup Tongyeong: 5th place!

Category : Racing , SMO-Specialized , South-Korea

Another day of racing in the World Cup circuit. I had a strong day here in Asia and was happy to race at the front of this race, but in the end I got beaten by four stronger guys!

Swim wasn’t so good, and I was more time behind then I was hoping for after the swim leg. No other option then putting the hammer down on the bike! Some other strong riders and me worked hard on the bike, and after 18k we could bridge up with the front of the race! I felt strong on the bike and I knew there was still some energy left for a strong run!

Thanks to a good second transition I could start running at the front of the group and so I tried to get out and set a fast pace to get some pressure on the other runners. After 2,5k on the run, the Americans took the game in their hands and put down the gas! So, on the last hill of the run course the pack would get ripped apart… I could not stay in contact with the leading five, and was struggling! Somehow I found some extra energy and bridged up to the front and with 200 meters to go I tried to surprise them and attacked just before the finish. They could easily counter my move, and so I got dropped again and finished in 5th position!

Happy to be racing at the front in the World Cup series, and having a good result!
Next will be Miyazaki next week, hoping to improve this result!

Greetings,
Simon

results: http://www.triathlon.org/results/result/2016_tongyeong_itu_triathlon_world_cup/281603

28 October 2015
simondc
0

WTS Tongyeong: tough year

Tags : mononucleosis MWG

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 4^th individually and 3^rd 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.

10 October 2015
simondc
0

YES! We did it!

Tags : MWG

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 4^th, 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 9^th but, after a while, I got back into my rhythm and was able to move up to 4^th 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

9 October 2015
simondc
0

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.

30 September 2015
simondc
0

Preview Military World Games

Tags : MWG

Category : South-Korea

After a good week home I’m already packed to go abroad. It’s time for the Military World games in South-Korea. As a top-class athlete for Defense I couldn’t be absent!
It’s about to be a great experience and the South-Korean will be making great games.
Friday night there will be a ceremony for the opening and the South-Korean already gave us this video so we could prepare ourselves on the “soldier dance”! I’m excited!
Greetings,
Simon