On 20 January 2014, Bart Verhaeghe, Team President and founder, and Bob Wolf, Team Manager, announced the launch of the Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team, ‘the largest professional triathlon team in the world’. Based out of Belgium and racing across the globe, nine months later the team is set for its main event in Hawaii – the 2014 IRONMAN World Championship.
At the team’s launch, the goal was clear: ‘Take 10 world-class triathletes, give them the best possible professional support and a structure where everything is available for optimal performance as an athlete and reach top results.’
During the first nine months, the team –which consists of seven nationalities – participated in 66 races (16 Ironman distance, 36 half-distance, 10 Olympic distance and 4 other races). Overall, the team won 19 times and finished 42 times on the podium. The list of victories includes a number of the most prestigious triathlon races such as the European Championship Ironman in Frankfurt, the European Championship IM 70.3 in Wiesbaden, the Asian-Pacific Championship Ironman in Melbourne, Ironman Nice, Ironman Lanzarote and the Hy-Vee Triathlon 5150 US Pro Championship (Olympic distance).
Holistic approach and professional support
Bart Verhaeghe, President of the Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team, said “The intention was to set up the international team at the highest level and limiting the risks for the athletes so they can perform in the best possible way. I am very proud of their achievements, but also of the fantastic set up the management has created. The results show that our holistic approach pays off and that the team is on the right track. More than ever we are motivated to continue on our growth path.”
Team Manager Bob De Wolf added, “I am extremely pleased with the first nine months of the season. First of all, in the way the athletes have integrated in the team and how they formed a strong bond between them. It was not a given to establish a real team mentality with athletes living on different continents, but we succeeded. We developed an environment where they learn from each other and use each other to get better.
“Also the professionalism of everybody involved in the team from athletes to staff has been unprecedented. It has always been our intention to provide the best possible structure and professional set up, but it is great to see all athletes getting the best out of the support on offer. Obviously such results could only be achieved thanks to the exceptional efforts of our sponsors, partners and the essential contribution of BMC Switzerland. It is fantastic to see how this Belgian project has become the best triathlon team in the world.”
Ready for Hawaii with big ambitions
On 11 October, the Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team will be present with seven athletes at the starting line of the IRONMAN World Championship. The team’s qualified athletes are Corinne Abraham (European IRONMAN Ironman), Liz Blatchford, Sofie Goos, Bart Aernouts (European IRONMAN 70.3 champion), Romain Guillaume, Ronnie Schildknecht and Axel Zeebroek.
Dirk Bockel, who also qualified will not start due to a hip injury. This means that all the athletes of the team who focus on long distance triathlon, qualified for Hawaii.
According to a release from the team, the ambitions for Kona are clear… ‘All of our athletes are able to achieve a top 10 finish with podium opportunities for both women and men. The way of further professionalization will continue. Hopefully this project can inspire and be part of the international growth of triathlon.’
Personal ambitions
Corinne Abraham said “Certainly, my ambitions are to race well and to feel I get the most out of myself. Obviously I would like to see how I fare against the other top girls in a World Championship. I look forward to a good race.”
Liz Blatchford: “This year I really like to get back on the podium. Last year was a fantastic result and I was really surprised. To replicate that would be a dream come true.”
Sofie Goos: “It is my fifth time at the start line in Hawaii. The previous four editions haven’t been perfect for me. So I hope to have that perfect race this year. I am working hard for that and I hope to beat my personal best with a top 15 result.”
Bart Aernouts: “My personal ambition for this year is to improve my 8th place of last year.”
Romain Guillaume: “Two years ago I finished 17th, I improved my run significantly. I ran a 2h 57m marathon in IM Lanzarote and I hope that a top 10 will be possible with such a performance.”
Ronnie Schildknecht: “My actual goal is to stay on top mentally during the race and not think too much about the position. If I can stay mentally in a great shape when it gets hard, I think the result will follow.”
Axel Zeebroek: “My ambition for Hawaii is to be at 100% of my capacity. It is the most important race of the year. I really want to prove that I have my place in this team. I am one of the best in the world and Hawaii is the place to prove it.”
Sponsors galore
The Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team is billed as ‘the largest, most ambitious project in today’s professional triathlon’. Ten world-class athletes race for Uplace-BMC: Corinne Abraham, Bart Aernouts, Liz Blatchford, Dirk Bockel, Will Clarke, Helle Fredriksen, Sofie Goos, Romain Guillaume, Ronnie Schildknecht and Axel Zeebroek.
Real estate group Uplace and bike manufacturer BMC Switzerland serve as the team’s sponsors. Additional support is provided by: Shimano/Pro bike components, Pearl Izumi race and training clothing, Lululemon casual clothing, Continental tubulars, Giro helmets, Tacx bike trainers and drink bottles, fi’zi:k saddles, Sailfish wetsuits, Compressport compression products, Sands Beach Active for warm weather training, BMW Le Couter, Adidas Eyewear, Bakala Academy sports-scientific support, Etixx sports nutrition, Best Swim Centre, Sportoase pool and gym facilities, Assumax insurance and Scicon bike bags.
www.uplacebmctriathlon.com
www.uplace.eu
www.bmc-switzerland.com
