Race Schedule 2016

This coming season, my race schedule will be somewhat different to that of the previous years. Where before I scheduled three complete IRONMAN events per year, this year I plan 2 full distance competitions, with the focus on attaining the best fitness level possible at the right time.

I will start on March 20 in Puerto Rico. At this exotic destination I will put all my hard winter training efforts to the test for the first time. This IRONMAN 70.3 should give me the right impulses and all the information I need to continue my training programme.

Given the special bond I have with IRONMAN Nice, this race will be added to my schedule again. This is where I won my first IRONMAN and I still hold the course record. This race is one of my all-time favourites and I truly enjoy training for it. Another race in the run-up to the Nice event will also be added; more information follows later.

On June 18 I will start in the IRONMAN 70.3 Luxemburg, which is close to home and takes place only two weeks after my first target race of the season. Last year was the first time I raced two weeks after a main event, and with success, namely IRONMAN 70.3 Turkey. The race in Luxemburg is set on a selective course, which I expect to be totally up my street.

Then Sweden, on July 10, is the next IRONMAN 70.3 on my schedule. A geographical area where so far I have hardly ever taken part in competitions, so I am keen to get a great result over there.

My main aim is and will obviously remain getting the best result possible in Hawaii, this year taking place on October 8. Another half distance race will be added in the run-up to Hawaii.

The fact that again this year I will compete mainly in IRONMAN races really motivates me and feeds my eagerness to add each of these races to my palmarès. 

Frederik Van Lierde