Marten Van Riel returns to the world stage and will compete in the IRONMAN in Nice.
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The Belgian Marten Van Riel has confirmed that it will be on the starting line of the HOMBRE DE HIERRO World Championship in Nice the next September 14.
After weeks of uncertainty due to a sprained ankle, the triathlete says he "couldn't let this World Championship happen without me."
A faster recovery than expected
Van Riel last reappeared in June, when he took victory in the IRONMAN 70.3 NiceSince then, an ankle injury has kept him on edge, although his progress has been surprisingly positive.
According to him, the pain practically disappeared in just one weekend, allowing him to return to running sooner than expected.
A major challenge on the French Riviera
The current world number 3 arrives in France uncertain about his actual fitness level, but also confident in having completed quality training in recent weeks.
"I don't know what exact level I'll be at, and that motivates me. I want to see how far I can go after everything I've been through in recent months," he acknowledged on his YouTube channel.
Preparation at the Nice circuit
Van Riel landed on the French Riviera this Tuesday to explore the cycling route, one of the most demanding in the calendar due to its unevenness and technical layout.
"It's a very unique circuit, tough and with tricky descents. I want to add training in the area to arrive as prepared as possible," he explained.
A return that brings excitement to the World Cup
The Belgian's presence adds an extra ingredient to an already very open championship. After the triumph of Sam Laidlow In 2023, on this same stage, the French public dreams of repeating their local success. But Van Riel, known for his solidity in the middle and long distances, will look to prove he can compete toe-to-toe with the best in the world.
