Search
shop

Marten Van Riel targets Hayden Wilde and Lionel Sanders next after incredible T100 title win

Belgian star is already calling out some big names ahead of what should be a blockbusting 2025 campaign.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

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.

Marten Van Riel finish arch T100 Dubai 2024 photo credit PTO / T100
Marten Van Riel is the first men’s T100 World Champion [Photo credit: PTO / T100]
Advertisement

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).

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
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
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
Marjolaine Pierre World Long Distance Triathlon win 2025
World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships 2025 results: Pierre and Benito add second wins
Kristian Blummenfelt wins IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025 results: Blummenfelt defends title on drama-packed day
Magnus Ditlev run Challenge Roth 2024 Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth
Crazy scenes as Magnus Ditlev is shown a red card but runs on at IRONMAN Frankfurt
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

Share to...