Van Riel reels in triathlon world title

Belgian Marten van Riel overcame the challenge provided by German Rico Bogen to secure the inaugural men's T100 triathlon world championship title in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Nov 17.

Van Riel, 31, entered the final event under significant pressure, having already claimed two wins and a runner-up finish in the season's series. His strong swim, composed cycling, and clinical running performance ensured his victory and the first TIOO world title in three hours, nine minutes and 17 seconds.

"It was tough wearing that No. 1 bib. In my head, I knew a podium finish was near, but I focused on winning on the day," he said.

Bogen, the reigning Ironman 70.3 world champion, kept pace with van Riel for the majority of the 18km run, but could not maintain his momentum in the final kilometres and finished in 3hr 9min 39sec.