Search
shop

‘The fitter you get, the luckier you become’ – Skipper eyes Geraardsbergen win

'A good result should be on the cards," says Joe Skipper as he looks to kickstart his season with victory in Belgium this weekend.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Joe Skipper feels he’s approaching close to top form ahead of this weekend’s Challenge Geraardsbergen in Belgium. It will represent a return to an event he finished fourth at back in 2018, as well as preparation for his return to Challenge Roth two weeks later.

Skipper at #18 is the highest-ranked athlete by some margin – and worryingly for his rivals it sounds like he’s in ideal shape to bounce back after two frustrating races.

He was a DNF at IRONMAN Texas after going off course on the bike and then was never able to really get into the mix at the World Long Distance Championships in Ibiza.

‘The form’s definitely there’

But his latest YouTube video, embedded below, features his last hard run training session before Geraardsbergen – four back-to-back 5km loops, all well under 17 minutes but with an average heart rate of just 145.

And he said: “Hopefully I’ll get a good result. The form’s definitely there and it felt pretty comfortable.

“I had my best power on a 25-mile TT on the bike a few weeks ago, swim sessions seem to be going well and now this run session.

“[So] a good result should be on the cards – the fitter you get, the luckier you become. The more good sessions you put in the bank, it’s like buying more lottery tickets.

“But as the last two races showed you, nothing’s guaranteed in this game. But the motivation’s high and the fitness is looking good.”

‘Missed opportunity’

Skipper even feels that his current levels compare well with what he reckons was his peak condition building up to May 2022, before a bout of Covid scuppered plans: “I was at my fittest before the IRONMAN World Championship in St George which for me will always seem like a missed opportunity.”

Sunday’s event features two ascents of the famed and cobbled Le Muur climb on the bike leg, which should play right into Skipper’s hands, though among his rivals is former pro cyclist Ruben Zepuntke of Germany.

Challenge Geraardsbergen - Photo Jose Luis Hourcade / Joe Skipper
Joe Skipper on the Muur van Geraardsbergen in 2018

Dutchman Menno Koolhaas is also seen as a serious contender. He recently made the switch to middle and long distance and won IRONMAN 70.3 Cascais late last year.

His compatriot Diede Diederiks returns to defend her title in the women’s race.

And she heads into the event full of confidence after becoming the Cross Duathlon world champion in Ibiza.

She’ll face Italian duo Marta Bernardi and Margi Santamaria while many home hopes will rest with Alexandra Tondeur.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
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.

£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

£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...