The Singapore T100 witnessed a thrilling competition this year as Dutch wildcard Youri Keulen clinched his first T100 victory on 14 April at the Marina Bay circuit. The race day was filled with surprises as American Sam Long, ranked No. 5, made a dramatic climb from last to second place, despite a 30-second penalty. Belgian athlete Pieter Heemeryck rounded out the top three.
The event began with amateur races early in the day, including a 100km triathlon and two duathlon distances. Notably, Singapore’s Olympic champion Joseph Schooling participated in the Standard Duathlon Team Relay alongside Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung and Member of Parliament Poh Li San, adding a celebrity flair to the day’s events.
Ms. Poh tackled both 5km running segments, while Mr. Ong and Schooling teamed up for the 32km bike course.
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Pro Race Highlights:
The professional race later in the day saw Keulen set a formidable pace early in the bike segment, maintaining his lead throughout the run. His victory was hard-earned; he collapsed from exhaustion after crossing the finish line but was quickly attended to by medical personnel.
Sam Long, energised despite his initial setbacks and penalty, engaged the crowd with his vibrant spirit, celebrating his unexpected rise to second place. This performance marks yet another strong finish, keeping him high in the season’s rankings.
Pieter Heemeryck, last year’s runner-up at the inaugural PTO Asian Open, expressed determination to return stronger next season after securing third place.
How the Race Unfolded
The race kicked off under sweltering, overcast skies that tested the endurance of all participants. The excitement began in the water, with last-minute Wildcard Josh Amberger leading the first lap of the 2km swim, closely followed by notable competitors like Alistair Brownlee and Kyle Smith. During the second lap, Aaron Royle surged ahead, emerging first into the transition area (T1).
As the athletes mounted their bikes, the competition heated up. The early bike segment saw numerous lead changes as athletes jockeyed for position. T100 Wildcard Youri Keulen, displaying formidable strength and strategy, made a decisive move to the front. He quickly established a solid lead, distancing himself from a chase group that included top contenders like Mika Noodt, Kyle Smith, and Alistair Brownlee.
Meanwhile, Sam Long, who had started his swim in last place and faced a 30-second penalty for a transition infraction, began a remarkable comeback. Known for his strong biking abilities, Long sliced through the field, entering the top ten before the final 20km of the bike leg. His aggressive pacing set him up for a dramatic run.
Entering the 18km run, Keulen maintained his lead, managing to extend it over the chasers. The drama continued behind him as the athletes transitioned from bike to run. A late dismount penalty for double Olympic champion Brownlee added to the tension, briefly pushing him out of podium contention.
Off the bike, Keulen remained untouchable, securing his lead and sprinting towards victory. Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium spots was fierce. Long, overcoming his earlier setbacks, showcased his running prowess. He made up significant ground, overtaking competitors one by one, including Pieter Heemeryck, to clinch second place. Heemeryck, consistent throughout, managed to secure third place, demonstrating resilience and strategic acumen.
The race concluded with Keulen’s breakthrough victory and emotional collapse at the finish line, a testament to the grueling nature of the challenge and his intense effort. Long’s energetic finish and Heemeryck’s determined performance rounded out a day of memorable athletic prowess and strategic racing.
Singapore T100 Standings
- Youri Keulen – 3:21:01
- Sam Long – 3:22:38
- Pieter Heemeryck – 3:23:30
- David McNamee – 3:26:03
- Kyle Smith – 3:26:57
How the T100 Triathlon World Tour Works
- Each contracted athlete must complete a minimum of 5 races plus the Grand Final. Although racing obligations for athletes who’ve qualified and will compete in the Olympics have been reduced.
- Athletes to score 35 points for first place to 1 pt for 20th place at each race
- The Grand Final has increased points to up the ante (55 pts down to 4 pts)
- Each athlete’s best three T100 race scores plus the Grand Final will count towards the the inaugural women’s and men’s T100 World Championship
- $250,000 USD prize fund at each T100, totalling $2,000,000 across the eight races (1st place – $25,000k; 2nd – $16,000; 3rd – $12,000 at each race)
- The series winners following the Grand Final will be crowned T100 Triathlon World Champion and collect $210,000 USD from an additional total prize pool of $2,000,000
The T100 Triathlon World Tour includes a series of races leading to a grand final, with a substantial prize pool encouraging fierce competition among the world’s best triathletes. Athletes accumulate points throughout the season, aiming to be crowned the T100 Triathlon World Champion.
This year’s Singapore T100 not only highlighted the athletes’ endurance and strategy but also the spirit of the triathlon community, gathering support and generating excitement for future races.
