IM AZ Pros: Frederik Van Lierde

Having placed second at Ironman New Zealand earlier this year, Frederik Van Lierde, 29, was primed for a good season of racing. He got part of that on Saturday - at the Splash + Dash in Tempe. Van Lierde, who has spent more of his career on the short course, was in town and looking for a tune-up in Tempe Town Lake before Sunday's running of Ironman Arizona. He found it at this local event, winning it in 32:40.7. So, with the taste of victory still lingering, could Van Lierde do a repeat on Sunday? We caught up with him this week.



TS: Why race Ironman Arizona?

Frederik: I decided to do IM AZ after a disappointing performance in Hawaii. I DNF'd there because of cramps in my right calf. Although my race was very good till then. Came out with the first group after the swim. Did a solid bike ride (4h40') and came in 15th in T2. So every chance to make the top 10 ...

TS: Any special preparations for our dry, dusty, hot and windy conditions?

Frederik: I try to come early to the place where the event is. Like now, for Arizona, I'm here since Tuesday, the 11th of November, so I can train in those conditions, see what the circuit is like, time change ...

TS: After IM AZ, what's next?

Frederik: After IM AZ I'll take a short break and will then prepare for IM NZ where I got second this year. In between I'll do 70.3 IM South Africa on the 18th of January.

TS: You are married and have two sons. How do you find the time to train and still see your family?


Frederik: If there's a possibility, (holiday) my family comes with me. We just spent six weeks in Hawaii together. But of course this isn't always possible. I'm a pro, so when I'm home I can spend more time with my kids than a dad with a 'normal" job.

TS: One last (annoying) question ...

Frederik: No, I'm not related to Luc Van Lierde. Everybody asks me this question. He's one of the best guys ever in triathlon and I'm running around with the same name. He lives like 30 miles from where I live.

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