Belgian triathlete Pieter Heemeryck promised there is more to come after he finished a creditable third in a gruelling T100 Singapore.
The 34-year-old was competing in the second stage of eight in the revolutionary new T100 World Tour, pitting 20 of the world’s best triathletes against each other over 100km with $7 million on the line.
Heemeryck, who finished second at the inaugural PTO Asian Open last year, settled for third in tough conditions in Marina Bay but is determined to improve on his result next year.
He said: “Last year I was a little bit better, but maybe it is earlier in the season so I’m not in the shape that I had hoped to be in already.
“But it’s a long season and I’ve finished two times on the podium here so it’s very good. But second to third, so next time I have to come back for first.”
Pieter Heemeryck loves this course and city!
— T100 Triathlon World Tour (@t100triathlon) April 14, 2024
The Belgian lands the final spot on the podium at Singapore T100 to back up his second here in 2023 🥉 pic.twitter.com/GZexQjI7o6
In sweltering overcast conditions, last-minute Wildcard Josh Amberger led the first lap of the 2km swim with the likes of Alistair Brownlee and Kyle Smith in close contention.
Once on the bike, there was plenty of chopping and changing early on before another Wildcard in Youri Keulen pushed his way to the front and went on the attack.
He soon put a minute into the chasers, which included Heemeryk and Brownlee, with USA’s Sam Long also attacking on the bike.
Long was fastest on the run course and made up 90 seconds by 12km to pick off the competition, overtaking Heemeryck to take 2nd place.
Heemeryck held strong for third place, US$12,000 and 25 points.
Heemeryck said: “It's much more fun (with more races this season). It will be a very big season, but it’s only the second race. I look forward to the next races, but I hope next year I can be part of the series again so I can race here again. Singapore is something special now after finishing on the podium two times.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here