Christophe De Keyser at the Half-Ironman World Cup: “Prove that I have my place!”

Belgians are passionate about triathlon! The proof ? They were more than 160 in Hawaii for the Ironman and they are still more than 100 for the World Half-Ironman (1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21 km walk) in St. George (Utah) . Among them, two professionals: Christophe De Keyser and Sybren Baelde.

Vice-champion of Europe at the beginning of September, in Bilbao, Christophe De Keyser is having his best season on the international scene and St. George can be, for him, the icing on the cake. Chris is able to come out of the water with the best. The whole thing will be to follow up against very tough competition.

“With my swimming, I think I can be in front on the bike. Then we will have to see who will be there and, above all, who will set the pace. It is not easy for me to set a target in terms of place because I don’t have I’ve never raced against most of these guys. Let’s say I’m hoping for a Top 15. It’s not crazy, but I prefer to be reasonable and show what I’m capable of. Above all, to prove that I belong! Three weeks after Hawaii, there may be surprises…”

Third at the start of July, in Les Sables d’Olonne, Sybren Baelde has had a string of good results this year, but it is obvious that at 26, the Flandrien is only at the beginning of his career over long distances. St. George will therefore be an opportunity for him to gain a great experience.