Geens persists, Van Riel falls and Norway wins
Jelle Geens at WTS Bermuda (picture: Rudy Geens)
Yesterday the second race of the World Triathlon Series was planned. The Bermuda island had his maiden voyage in the series, and Norway managed to get a clean sweep in the male race, a first in history. We looked forward to Marten Van Riel and Jelle Geens, both were in the main pack, but Van Riel crashed in the final stages. Geens finished 13th.
Norway FTW
Casper Stornes leading the charge (picture: ITU/Wagner Araujo)
The was no large gap after the swim in the male race, a main pack of 25 athletes was formed on the bike, among who the Belgian men. After 10km Casper Stornes decided to go for a break and started an impressive solo. The groupetto looked at each other, which gave Casper the opportunity to start his run with a two minute lead. The only counter charge was done by Danish Schilling, but Stornes' countrymen Blumenfelt and Iden quickly got a hold of him. The Dane was dropped immediately after transition and even a steaming Mola could not keep the two other Norwegians to join Stornes on the podium. Coming in fourth, the Spanish does become overall leader in the WTS ranking. Stornes got his first ever WTS win after becoming national champion in Norway and third at ETU Quarteira.
Van Riel Crashes
Van Riel leading the main pack (picture: ITU/Wagner Araujo)
The Belgians did not play a big part in the race, but both men were active. Van Riel exited the water in fifth and Jelle Geens joined the lead pack when the bike groups merged. They managed to stay in the pack for the whole ride, until Marten crashed in the last turn before transition. With roadrash he still managed to run to 21th place. Jelle stayed in the front of the pack the whole ride and managed to run to 13th.
"The feeling improves"
Jelle Geens at Bermuda (picture: Rudy Geens)
Jelle Geens was partially happy after the race, but concerned about Marten. "I tried to cling to the front of the group, due to the technical bike course, this was the only safe spot to be in. It was hard work, but after Stornes' attack it all came to a standstill. The legs were hurting during the run, but I gave it all for the ranking. I'm more than happy with that 13th spot. The overall feeling is improving, we'll see what that brings at WTS Yokohama (JPN). I saw Marten after the race, he was quite battered, but nothing that won't heal. His shower will be a lot less pleasant," says Jelle.
Original article posted on 3athlon.be by Gert-Jan D'haene on 29/04/2018
Translation by @T0v3