Search
shop

In pictures: Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 gallery

The 2023 edition of Challenge Geraardsbergen from behind the lens of José Luis Hourcade
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

The fifth edition of Challenge Geraardsbergen took place this past Sunday in East Flanders, Belgium.

Featuring some of the iconic cobbles of the Belgian classic pro cycling events and the climb of the Muur van Geraardsbergen which features in the Ronde van Vlaanderen – the Tour of Flanders – the event was won by Menno Koolhaas (NED) and Margie Santimaria (ITA). You can read how the race played out in our report from the day.

Following up on that report – and with great thanks to regular contributor José Luis Hourcade (www.joseluishourcade.com) – we can now bring you the story of the race in pictures too.

Advertisement
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Margie Santimaria looks ahead to what would be a winning day
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Joe Skipper (right) heads to the start
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
All action at the swim start
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
The Pro Women kick-off their day in Belgium
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Age-Group athletes ready for action
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
The swim venue at De Gavers
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Swim exit assistance
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Ruben Zepuntke, before making his move on the bike
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Great Britain’s Joe Skipper back on dry land
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Early stages on the bike course
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Antony Costes (FRA) in familiar aero style
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Margie Santimaria and Emma Bilham (SUI) were close in the early miles of the bike leg
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Ognjen Stojanovic (SRB) raced strongly for second
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Joe Skipper, with distinctive aero bottle set-up
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Emma Bilham was strong and consistent all day for second place
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Menno Koolhaas (NED) lead on the bike, until Ruben Zepuntke caught him
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Tom Vaelen (BEL) in full flight
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
The famous Belgian cobbles
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Menno Koolhaas on the ‘Muur’
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Uber-biker Ruben Zepuntke (GER) has a two-minute lead starting the run
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Joe Skipper ran his way to a podium finish
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Koolhaas overtook Zepuntke and was then in total control
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Jonathan Wayaffe on the way to fourth place
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Margie Santimaria running strong
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Geraardsbergen market square
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Koolhaas takes the tape
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Santimaria improved from fifth in 2022 to this years champion
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
The Pro Women celebrate
Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade
Champagne all round for the Pro Men
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Best late season triathlons – round up race season with these middle and short distance races
latest News
Hayden Wilde WTCS French Riviera run 2025
‘Anything is possible’ says Hayden Wilde after epic shot at T100 and WTCS double header
Tommy Fury T100 French Riviera 2025
‘Do not shy away’ – Tommy Fury on his ‘AMAZING’ T100 debut on French Riviera
Ashleigh Gentle top step of podium after T100 French Riviera 2025
Aussie star Ashleigh Gentle never lost faith she could return to top of T100 podium
Steven McKenna at pre-race press conference 703 Worlds 2023 [Photo credit: Ville Kashkivirta / IRONMAN]
Aussie triathlon star resists sprint finish with Olympic champ Sifan Hassan as he aces Sydney Marathon
Cassandre Beaugrand wins WTCS French Riviera 2025
WTCS French Riviera 2025 women’s results: Home win for Olympic champion Beaugrand
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...