The 2013 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Champion Frederik Van Lierde looks to defend his title at the season opener. He is the reigning Ironman World Champion. We talked to him about his goals, passion, and what drives him to be the best.
You are the defending champion. How do you feel coming into the race defending your title, do you feel any added pressure?
No, no pressure, I’m used to it. It’s something I like; I think it’s an advantage to have raced there four times now. I won in 2011 and 2013; so for me 2012 and 2013 were years I came back with the confidence of a champion. It’s not a big change for me.
So you like the pressure?
You call it pressure, but I see it in a different way. It’s more like a confidence for me. I know what it takes to win the race; there are not a lot of people who have that advantage.
Are you looking to break any course records this time around?
Well, the course has changed a couple of times. It all depends on the race course and weather conditions. Of course, if there is a record possible, I will try my very best to beat it.
What do you like about the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, is there anything that stands out to you? What are you looking most forward to in the UAE?
There’s a lot. I always like to get out of the plane and enter the Emirates. It’s a special feeling, a different world. Also, the course is a beautiful setting—the swim at the Corniche, the bike on the Formula One circuit, and the run again on the Corniche. I think it’s an honest race. Man against man, that’s what I like.
You have a highly decorated race resume. Do you consider yourself an inspiration to other male athletes?
For me, it’s been three years now where everything has been going well. I like to do the big races; I’m not looking for small races where there’s not much competition. I like to race the best, and Abu Dhabi has a deep, deep field. That’s why I like to come back.
I take it you like to keep yourself challenged?
Yes, I feel when the field is really dense; I get to my best level.
Did you have any athletes that you looked up to while growing up?
Of course, when I was younger, I loved to watch cycling. I started triathlons because of my coach, Luc Van Lierde. He won the 1996 Iron-man World Championships in Hawaii. It was a big boost for Belgium. He was my idol, now he’s my coach and trainer. It’s a good feeling working with him.
Do you workout with him every day, or train solo?
He puts together my plans and workouts; most of the time I train solo. He attends some races and will be there in Abu Dhabi with me.
How do you push yourself while training solo? Do you race against the clock, use music? What keeps you motivated?
It’s hard to explain, it’s a feeling. I stay focused because I am working for a goal, my next big race.
You’re racing schedule this year is packed; you are running a race every month starting in March. How do you recover between races to come back strong?
It’s all about setting goals. My three major races for the year are Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt, and the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. In between you take some rest and build up to a new big goal.
The races that are in between are like training, they are not as important as the big goals. I don’t worry too much about them. Of course, it’s nice to have a win; but if it’s not in the small races, that’s okay. You can’t win everything .
People often say if you work out a lot, you can eat anything and everything. Because your sport involves three tasking events, is this true for you? Can you eat whatever you want or do you follow a special nutrition regime?
That’s 100% true. That’s an advantage of our sport. The amount of food we eat will be burned. In the off-season I don’t pay too much attention. If I’m focused for a big race; I will pay more attention.
Is your training different in the off season? Do you cross train?
I go on my mountain bike in the winter. After the Hawaii Ironman World Championships, I took two weeks completely off. In November, I start to build up my training slowly. By mid-December, I’m back to full training.
What is your favorite leg of the race?
I’m a balanced athlete; I perform well in each event. In Abu Dhabi, I really appreciate the bike course. The scenery is great; I never get bored with this circuit.
Do you have any advice for amateurs competing in the race?
Enjoy the whole journey. Not just the race, but travelling too. Try to see as much as possible. It’s a good choice to pick this race.
You are 34 years old. Male endurance athletes reach their prime in early-30s. Would you say you have more years of competing? When do you look to hang up your trainers? What is next for you?
I hope I can continue for a couple of years. Like you mentioned, I’m at the peak of my ability. I think I’ll retire once I feel I can’t race with the best anymore. It’s not always about winning, but you should be able to race the best.
