Interview with Belgian 3-times Powerman Alsdorf Sprint Winner Dimitri Gelders
Hello Dimitri,
in preview to Powerman Alsdorf in August 2021, we would like to introduce our athletes and get to know them:
Please, introduce yourself and highlight some important moments/successes as athlete
Hi, my name is Dimitri Gelders but my friends call me Dimi.
I’m a Belgian duathlete/triathlete. I’m a lifeguard. In 2019, Me and Noury Vanmanshoven created the triathlon and duathlon team “Team 4P”.
Regarding my athletic career: Winning Powerman Alsdorf sprint 2018 was a great moment. In 2019, I got 2nd in my age group in the Powerman Classics distance in Alsdorf with frozen feet and hands; I just couldn’t get my running shoes on. Tip of the day: Put a shoe horn in T2 when it’s freezing cold. :-)
When i’m not training, I read books about training with lots of coffee & Cookies ???. I also enjoy tech talk with my teamies & partners SWSwheels, QuintanarooBeNeLux, Rosiir, CEPBelgië & Hammernutrition.
How did you become a duathlete?
I became a duathlete because i wanted to run faster! Did my first duathlon in 2016. Now my favorite and best part is the run.
From your personal perspective, what is special about the run-bike-run format of Powerman World Series?
Duathlon is very hard! The first run is close to personal best. Then hard on the bike and trying to survive on the last run. I always loved the short distance. Now my focus is more on long distance.
How often did you compete at Powerman Alsdorf and what is you personal highlight of this particular race?
I currently count three Powerman Alsdorf finishes and 3x podium. Especially, winning Powerman Alsdorf sprint in 2018 was a highlight: After 5km on the first bike lap John Raadschelders, I.P.A. President, passed me on the motorcycle and cheered me on. That is something I will never forget. Coming in T2 first with crazy cheering spectators was amazing. It was a perfect day/race!
Have you participated in any other Powerman World Series races? If so, what is your „don’t-miss-race“?
Only Powerman Alsdorf & Powerman Zofingen. Definitely two “wanne be there races”
How does a typical training week looks like in your preparation for a Powerman race (apr. 2 month proir to the race)?
Monday : swim + core optional bike
Tuesday: bike intervals
Wednesday: easy run optional bike
Thursday: run intervals
Friday: swim + core optional easy bike
Saturday : long run + core
Sunday Team 4P long bike + brick
Eat, sleep, coffee, train & repeat!
Despite the current uncertainties of racing in 2021, do you have a competiton schedule in mind?
For now, I have scheduled the following events until late summer of 2021:
Club events Team 4P, Ironman Frankfurt, Powerman Alsdorf , 70.3 Challenge (tbd)
Last but not least: What is your best advice for athletes who want to participate in a Powerman race?
Sign up now, you won’t regret it! The Powerman community is great. It doesn’t matter what level your are.
We all suffer! ?
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights with us! We wish you the best for your individual and athletic goals.
We are excited to see you racing in Alsdorf on August 15th, 2021.
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