Marten Van Riel had a truly spectacular second half of 2024, and he is already preparing the popcorn for 2025.
The Belgian superstar had a miserable Olympic Games at Paris 2024, finishing only 22nd as Britain’s Alex Yee claimed gold. He was then unable to compete in the Mixed Relay after team-mate Claire Michel fell ill on the eve of the race.
Those days in the French capital were the depths of misery for MVR – but what followed was the absolute opposite as he aced his debut campaign in the new T100 series.
Before Paris the 31-year-old had already advertised his potential over the 100km distance by edging out Kyle Smith in that thrilling sprint finish in San Francisco. But after the big dance in France, he took things to another level.
First Van Riel was a brilliant winner of T100 Ibiza as he sprinted clear of Sam Laidlow to take the tape, and then he gave fellow Belgian Jelle Geens all he could handle in claiming a gallant second place at Lake Las Vegas.
Marten ultimately saved the best until last though, roaring to victory in Sunday’s Grand Final in Dubai, a victory which saw him crowned as World Champion of the inaugural T100 series.
MVR on 2025 targets
Speaking in the aftermath of that spectacular success, Van Riel was already looking ahead to 2025 and the new challenges that lie ahead. In particular he referenced a couple of superstars he is keen to take on once again.
Talking to Jack Kelly, he revealed: “If I can beat anyone I hope it’s maybe Hayden Wilde. He’s maybe the most interesting prospect. And maybe also I would also really want to race Lionel Sanders, to be part of the Vlog.
“I think this format just suits racers that have grit, and that’s definitely what he has. It’s just three-and-a-half hours of pure pain and that’s Lionel, the man can suffer like no other. We’re gonna have to call him out, Lionel, be there next year man – we want to race you.”
IRONMAN debut next for Van Riel?
Before 2025, Van Riel appears to set to make his full-distance debut next month as he is on the start list for IRONMAN Cozumel. The Mexican event of course is where a certain Kristian Blummenfelt made his full-distance bow back in 2021.
That race takes place this coming Sunday (November 24).
