From the Tour to IRONMAN: Van Avermaet, IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion
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Former Tour de France cyclist and Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet has been crowned world champion HOMBRE DE HIERRO 70.3 Marbella 2025 in his age group (40-44 years), confirming his excellent transition from professional cycling to triathlon.
From the Tour de France to the IRONMAN: Van Avermaet conquers Marbella
Since retiring from cycling in 2023, the Rio Olympic champion has found a new motivation in triathlon.
At 40 years greg van avermaet He continues to demonstrate that his "engine" remains intact. This Sunday he was crowned champion. IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion in his age group (40-44) after a great performance in Marbella.
The Belgian, winner of classics such as the Paris-Roubaix, Ghent-Wevelgem and E3 Harelbeke, and holder of the yellow jersey in the Tour de Francia For 11 days, he completed the test in 4:15:56, surpassing almost 500 competitors in its category.
His performance also placed him in the position 22 of all age groups and the 78 of the general population, including professionals.
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A solid race from start to finish
Van Avermaet recorded a swim of 31:02, where he placed himself in the middle of the peloton (126th overall).
In the cycling segment —his natural terrain—, he set the best time in his group with 2:16:10, Being the 25th best overall split.
On the run, he maintained his consistency with a half marathon of 1:21:31running at under 4:00 min/km and securing a resounding victory.
| Segment | Time | General position |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming (1,9 km) | 31:02 | 126 º |
| Cycling (90 km) | 2:16:10 | 25 º |
| Race (21 km) | 1:21:31 | 28 º |
| Total time | 4:15:56 | 78th (general) |
From cycling to triathlon: a planned change
Since his triathlon debut last year in the IRONMAN 70.3 Knokke-Heist, where he finished third in his age group, Van Avermaet has shown steady progress.
In the summer he once again stood out, winning his category in the IRONMAN 70.3 Nice, a result that already foreshadowed his great form before the World Cup.
In previous interviews, the Belgian acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to salt water and the pace of the triathlon:
“Swimming in the sea isn’t my thing, but as a professional cyclist I learned that you have to prepare every detail. I don’t like to do things halfway.”he told the newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.
Goal: to continue enjoying triathlon
Despite his success, Van Avermaet says he is facing this new stage without pressure:
“I’ve qualified for the 2026 World Championships in Nice. I might try, but I want to gradually reduce the number of competitions and continue practicing this sport for pleasure.”he explained after the test.
With this world title, greg van avermaet He joins the list of cyclists who have also triumphed in triathlon, demonstrating that the passion for competition knows no age or discipline.
