Search
shop

Marten van Riel devastated after bike crash puts him out of PTO US Open

Another major blow for the luckless Belgian star
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Marten van Riel is enduring yet more pain after a bike crash in training put him out of Friday’s PTO US Open in Milwaukee.

The 30-year-old Belgian star had targeted the big-money PTO events this year after suffering through a difficult 2022 with injuries. He was hoping to mix it with the likes of Jan Frodeno, Kristian Blummenfelt and Magnus Ditlev in the big showdown this week.

But disaster struck as he prepared for the race, with a training ride ending in disaster, followed by both physical and mental agony.

Advertisement

Marten van Riel on US Open KO

Van Riel said on Instagram: “No PTO for me ❌🥲

“I dropped my chain and went over my handlebars on a training ride, flying straight into a lantern pole with my back. Five bruised ribs and a fractured scapula are the verdict. Although the physical pain is bad, the mental pain is a lot worse.

“The PTO races were definitely my A-races this year and I had not been as excited for racing in a long time! After all that happened last year I am super hungry to prove myself, and to have to sit on the sidelines again hurts 🤕

“Unfortunately we cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand! 🃏

“A little positive note; the injury itself shouldn’t put me out of training for too long 🤞😊

The latest injury is just another blow in a catalogue of mishaps for van Riel. His 2022 was decimated by injury and illness after he had started the year in brilliant style with a terrific win at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai.

Despite all those mishaps and all that misfortune, he was still pinpointed by Kristian Blummenfelt as the big danger for that upcoming US Open showdown in Milwaukee. We hope to see him back racing soon.

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
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Jeanne Lehair Georgia Taylor Brown Fanni Szalai Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia wins Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Chicago 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Lehair and Gonzalez Garcia take the wins
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
Morgan Pearson run T100 San Francisco 2025
Morgan Pearson born to run – ‘maybe I’m the T100 X Factor with a lot to prove’
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...