Marten van Riel Shines Among Elite at T100 Singapore

Marten Van Riel will spearhead an impressive roster of male athletes in Singapore as the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has announced the competitors set to toe the line on Sunday, 5 April, for the inaugural T100 race of the season. This eagerly anticipated event promises to showcase thrilling athleticism at the stunning Marina Bay swim course.

The Belgian sensation enters the T100 Singapore as the overwhelming favourite, having claimed the T100 World Champion title last year. However, he can expect fierce competition from a host of talented triathletes, each eager to challenge him for supremacy.

Among those challengers is his former Olympic rival, Hayden Wilde, who is excited to make his debut in the T100 series and test his mettle in a longer format. “What I’m looking forward to about racing the T100 series is probably being strong in all three disciplines,” said the Kiwi, who earned a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “The non-drafting rule is great, as it allows for more strategy, and with the 18km run, I know some athletes will try to push hard in the swim.”

Wilde has eagerly anticipated the chance to race Van Riel. He noted, “We’ve had numerous battles over the short course, but I’m aware that the long course is more suited to Marten. He’ll come out firing, and I’m looking forward to a gripping contest throughout the season.”

Title Defence and Rising Stars

However, this race isn’t merely a showdown between two competitors. The defending Singapore T100 Triathlon champion, Youri Keulen from the Netherlands, is poised to put up a strong defence. Keulen secured his first victory in the series last year in dramatic fashion, collapsing as he crossed the finish line. Reflecting on his return, he expressed, “I’m genuinely excited to revisit Singapore. It holds a special place in my heart, and I have fantastic memories from my last competition. I recognise that this year’s T100 series is more competitive, so I’m leaving no stone unturned in my preparation. I’m adding extra heat sessions to my training regimen to ensure I’m fully prepared and hoping to bring my A-game. I can’t wait to shake hands with everyone post-race, after missing that last year.”

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Belgian athlete Jelle Geens could prove to be a dark horse in the battle for the world title. Having been the only athlete to defeat Van Riel last term, he enters the competition with a full contract secured for 2025. Geens seeks to make an early impression in the Lion City.

Geens has already stirred some controversy by questioning the credentials of American competitor Morgan Pearson. Unsurprisingly, Pearson is eager to face off against Geens, emphasising that a victor in Singapore could emerge unexpectedly. “The T100 series is a race around the world at the highest level, and that attracts me immensely,” Pearson explained. “Standing on the start line and envisioning victory means I’m the best in the world today, even if just for a moment. I thrive on that feeling.”

Excitement simmers as Pearson added, “I’m also looking forward to racing Jelle Geens. We have a bit of rivalry, and everyone’s keen to see that clash. He’s a formidable athlete, but I believe he might be underestimating me.”

Also in the mix is Kyle Smith from New Zealand, who recently finished a commendable second in the overall T100 series for 2024. He has been vocal about his ambition to secure his first victory in a T100 race soon. Let’s not forget American crowd favourite Sam Long, who made a remarkable comeback in Singapore, leaping from last place out of the water to finish right behind Smith in second, overcoming the intense humidity that the region is known for.

The dynamic field of eighteen contracted T100 men racing in Singapore this April includes:

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• Morgan Pearson (USA)
• Marten Van Riel (BEL)
• Kyle Smith (NZL)
• Jelle Geens (BEL)
• Sam Long (USA)
• Mika Noodt (GER)
• Rico Bogen (GER)
• Youri Keulen (NED)
• Mathis Margirier (FRA)
• Justus Nieschlag (GER)
• Fred Funk (GER)
• Gregory Barnaby (ITA)
• Antonio Benito-Lopez (ESP)
• Nicolas Mann (GER)
• Menno Koolhaas (NED)
• Léo Bergère (FRA)
• Hayden Wilde (NZL)
• Vincent Luis (FRA)

Two wildcards will be announced later this week, heightening anticipation for this world-class sporting event. With such a stellar lineup, the T100 Singapore is set to ignite the triathlon scene and showcase extraordinary talent and determination from some of the sport’s finest athletes.