FREDERIK VAN LIERDE | PRO TRIATHLETE

This was only the beginning as he went on to take the most prestigious victory in the sport and became the Ironman World Champion in 2013. Last year he gave himself the best 40th birthday present, in claiming the Ironman Lanzarote title on his day. This year he has chosen to put an end to his racing career. We are proud to support him right until the very end...and beyond.

Best results

• 1st Ironman World Championships 2013

• 5 x Ironman France Champion ( 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018)

• 6 x Ironman 70.3 Champion

• 1st Ironman Lanzarote 2019

• 1st Ironman South Africa 2015

How did you get into Triathlon?

In the early days, my Dad was into marathons and other road races as well as cross country training. As a little boy, I joined him to race in the kids races. During my youth, I got more into swimming, racing competitively in the discipline. Then at the age of 17, I started triathlon, before later turning professional at 23 years of age. October 1996, when Luc Van Lierde (my coach) won Hawaii, was the ultimate event to make me switch to triathlon. Now 41 years of age, I see it as an ideal time to call an end to a very long and fulfilling career :)

So tell us about your favourite race memory?

Of course the World title in Kona 2013. On one side the last 2km before the finish when you know you're going to win it...was a huge mix of emotions and thoughts. Complete Euphoria! Then when you reach the finish line and you're able to share that moment with family, friends, sponsors, fans, ... the absolute best feelings. One month later we organized a big party in my hometown, in a big discotheque with 1200 people. That was a beautiful touch to an amazing life experience.

What did that mean in the context of your racing career?

The year before in 2012, I became 3rd in Hawaii, so it was no surprise and I was one of the favorites on the start line. In that year I won a lot of races (Abu Dhabi, Ironman France, Salou, Deinze) so I was in great shape! My last weeks training leading up to the race were great so I knew and I believed I could win in Hawaii. But crossing that finish line was an incredible feeling of relief, proudness, achievement and even unbelief all in one... when you cross that finish line in first place. It was a dream come true, becoming world champion in Hawaii... the biggest race in our sport.

Why Compressport?

The leading brand in compression since many many years with great people and great designs! Always looking for improvement and innovation.

What is your favourite product from Compressport and why?

The R2 Oxygen Calf sleeves for sure. The calf sleeve has been the beginning and the name behind the brand. I am a proud user of them in all my races and training since these early days. The product has evolved and improved, but the benefits they have given me during racing, still remains the same. There's so many more products now too, in the Compressport range that have become harder to choose!