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TIPS FROM A WORLD CHAMP

When we teamed up with Belgian triathlete Frederik van Lierde in 2011, we knew he was a pretty big deal. Quite how big… let’s just say he is still showing us! With a win and a handful of podiums under his belt this year already, Fred lets us in on some training secrets as he prepares for his 8 th (!) participation in Ironman® Nice, where he will be aiming for a record-breaking 6 th title.

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PORTRAIT OF A CHAMP’

Rocking the R2, a product which was developed and evolved with him over the years, Frederik won the 2013 IM World Champs in Kona and has raced to more Ironman podiums than you have fingers. In fact, he recently celebrated his 40 th Birthday in style, winning the 2019 Ironman Lanzarote.

Quick facts

Name: Frederik van Lierde
Nickname: FVL
Career highlights: 2013 Ironman World Champion; 5x winner Ironman Nice; 2015 IM South Africa, 2016 IM Cozumel, 2019 IM Lanzarote; Countless more podiums
Favourite race: Ironman® Nice
Favourite movies: Top Gun, Silence of the Lambs
Favourite Compressport product: R2 Oxygen calf sleeves

Yet under the Pro Racing Ultralight Cap and Iceman race mask there is an experienced athlete who leaves nothing to chance, and a friendly face! We catch up with Fred as he tapers for 70.3 Les Sables d’Olonne, a preparation event before his 8 th (!) participation in IM Nice, for some insights into training and racing.

MASTER THE TAPER

Many people can train hard, yet that is only half the work. Proper planning, rest, nutrition, sleep… etc. are all elements which can make or break a race. FVL is coached by his namesake and former Ironman champ Luc van Lierde (no relation!) and mentors his own group of athletes as well. Strong emphasis it put on tapering and recovery to ensure he gets to the start line fresh and bouncing. If you’ve ever wondered what a pro does leading into a race, here it is: FRED’S TAPER WEEK

NAIL THE RACE

So you’ve mastered the taper, you’re ready to race. And yet, getting it wrong during the event happens to the best of us: even the pros have made a mess once or twice. Drawing on 20 years’ worth of triathlon experience, Fred’s shares three key tips for a half-ironman event to give yourself every opportunity of crossing the line with a smile.

Don’t change anything last minute! Stick to the food, shoes, clothes… etc which you already know and have tested in training. New seams have a habit of irritating in funny places you didn’t suspect, nutrition might not sit still in your stomach…
Put talcum powder in your bike and run shoes. It will absorb moisture and save rubbing and chafing from wet feet.
Wear two swim caps (the official one on top) with your goggles in between. This saves them from slipping or being ripped off, and also keeps your head warmer if the water is chilly.

Check Fred's products selection: RELATED PRODUCTS