Search
shop

‘2023 vision starts now’ – injury frustration continues for Van Riel

The Belgian's spell on the sidelines has been extended until 2023 following the ankle injury he suffered at WTCS Leeds
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Belgian star Marten van Riel has confirmed that he won’t be fit enough to race again in 2022 following the ankle injury he sustained at WTCS Leeds back in early June.

The 29-year-old took a crashing fall on the run within sight of the finish at Roundhay Park but still managed to crawl over the line in 12th place.

Initially it appeared a dislocated shoulder was the more serious issue but an MRI revealed a bone oedema in the talus (ankle bone) which has largely prevented him from running.

Advertisement

Frustration continues

He had hoped to return to action this year but revealed the bad news on Instagram: “Little life update; Unfortunately my comeback to running is not going as smooth as I hoped for. I still have pain and I am only up to a couple of minutes of running 😩 .

“It is very frustrating because its almost six months now since I fell and hurt my ankle. Every time I feel like I am taking some steps forward I seem to have to take a couple steps back again.

“The sliver of hope that I still had to race in December finally disappeared.. 2023 vision starts now 😎. We are still out here working hard.”

It’s just over a year since his epic battle with Alex Yee in the final race of the 2021 Super League Triathlon season.

And at the start of this season, Van Riel claimed an impressive victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai, beating Kristian Blummenfelt among others as he made it two wins out of two at that distance.

We wish him well with his continued recovery.

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
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
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!)
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
latest News
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
WATCH LIVE: IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea as Kat Matthews bids for win on home roads
Leonie Periault wins WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 women’s results: Periault outruns Olympic champ Beaugrand for gold
Matt Hauser repeat win WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 men’s results: Aussie Matt Hauser rules again as he takes big step to first world title
Matt Hauser wins WTCS Hamburg 2025
WATCH AGAIN: WTCS Hamburg 2025 as Hauser and Periault notch brilliant wins
Olympic bronze medallist almost called it quits ahead of Challenge Roth debut but now “exactly where I’m supposed to be”
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...