Search
shop

Two-time Olympian “disappointed” with planned Paris course for 2024 Olympic Games

Marten Van Riel shares his thoughts about Paris, Taupo and his ambitions for 2024.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -

Having competed at two Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo in addition to a number of other iconic events, Marten Van Riel knows a thing or two about big city triathlon races.

So when the course was announced for the triathlon events at this year’s Olympic Games in one of the world’s most iconic cities, the Belgian shared in a recent YouTube video that he had found himself a little underwhelmed.

Despite his disappointment, the 31-year-old is focused on the task at hand, with previous fourth and sixth place performances at the Games leaving little guesswork when attempting to predict his ambitions for the summer.

Advertisement

“There’s nothing else I can do”

Having spent his career advocating for more interesting bike courses on the short course scene, Van Riel once again found his requests falling on deaf ears when it came to the Olympic Games.

WTCS Championship Finals Edmonton 2021 - final WTCS podium for the season, Kristian Blummenfelt, Marten Van Riel, Alex Yee

“To be honest I am disappointed with the course they have given us in Paris. Something I have always been advocating for with World Triathlon is that they need more interesting courses.

“An Olympic distance race is quite boring to watch to be honest, but now there’s nothing else I can do apart from giving it my all.” 

A new chapter in 2024

Having tried his hand, to great success, at middle distance racing over the past couple of years, Van Riel ended the year with back-to-back IRONMAN 70.3 wins in Fortaleza and Bahrain.

Marten Van Riel wins IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai 2022
Marten Van Riel wins IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai 2022 (Photo Credit: James Mitchell / IRONMAN)

“Obviously I am still gunning for a medal in Paris, […], these races were more like in-between goals to have a really good winter and lay the foundations for an amazing 2024.

“I hope to top the podium in Taupo next year and I hope to get some starts in PTO races and I want to make it really hard for the other guys there as well.”

After a rollercoaster couple of years with injury, the Belgian plans to be at his best in Paris before conquering the middle distance by getting back to where he was three years ago.

“I want to race the best and see where I can stack up. If I can get back to my level in 2021 and hopefully surpass that, that will be a great end to these two bad years and will let me start a new chapter of my career in 2024.” 

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
sumarpo triathlon swimming wetsuit
Wetsuit buying guide – How to choose the best wetsuit for triathlon, open water swimming, SwimRun and cold water
latest News
Paris 2024 Olympic mens triathlon Hayden Wilde run
HOW TO WATCH LIVE: WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 – start times, previews and streaming details
Manoel Messias World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mar 2023 win photo credit: World Triathlon
World Triathlon confirm postponements of two World Cup events
Tom Bishop finishing Challenge Roth 2024
Record-breaking Brit who eclipsed Alistair Brownlee is back for more at Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt aero position
Triathlon superstar Kristian Blummenfelt is “taking control” of his DIY IRONMAN training regime for the first time
Gwen Jorgensen World Triathlon Cup Miyazaki 2024 Results
US Olympic triathlon champ Gwen Jorgensen reveals how she deals with nerves as 2025 opener looms large
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...