Bruges native Louis Naeyaert becomes European champion in the half triathlon

Our compatriot Christophe De Keyser was put forward as one of the favourites. Last year, the athlete from Overijse was second at the European Championships in Bilbao, Spain. The first part, swimming 1900 m in the Leie, is right up his alley, De Keyser lost his bathing cap on the way, but he is the first to get out of the water. Two other compatriots follow not far away: Dries Matthijs and Tom Vaelen.

Louis Naeyaert rolls everyone into cycling

After the first of two 45km cycle laps, De Keyser has a 40 second lead over Dutchman Milan Brons and then a string of young Belgians. They were motivated to achieve a good result at this European Championship in their own country, young guys who might one day make a big name and fame in the triathlon world, like Frederik van Lierde 16 years ago. In the second part we suddenly see Louis Naeyaert appear. The West Flemish military athlete from Bruges flies over everything and everyone after cycling 70 km to first place.

Full Belgian podium

Naeyaert can therefore be the first to put on the running shoes for another half marathon. And what a Belgian luxury: at a certain moment the top 6 is completely Belgian, it looks like a Belgian Championship. In addition to leader Naeyaert, you have Christophe De Keyser, Tom Vaelen, Jonathan Wayaffe, Dieter Comhair and Dries Matthijs.

Louis Naeyaert sets the race of his life. He continues to be authoritarian. There is a shuffling behind him. De Keyser has to pay for his efforts, he sinks a bit. Jonathan Wayaffe and Dieter Comhair move up to places 2 & 3 and Dries Matthijs to place 4.