Jelle Geens must wait to qualify for next year’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship after being ruled out of racing in Malaysia on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Belgian star was all set to move up in distance for Saturday’s IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi with qualification spots for Taupo next year up for grabs.

But on the eve of the race Jelle announced that he had been stung by a jellyfish during an ocean swim and suffered a severe allergic reaction.

Geens on jellyfish misery

Announcing the news, he summed up his immense frustration, explaining: “I sadly have to withdraw from 70.3 Langkawi tomorrow. I got stung by a jellyfish this morning on a swim in the ocean and got a severe allergic reaction to it. Very bumped as I was super stoked to race 😔😔”

Geens last raced at middle-distance back in 2021 when he finished third behind Lionel Sanders and Vincent Luis at IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells.

Jelle Geens 2023 season

Most recently Jelle had finished 23rd in the WTCS Grand Finals in Pontevedra, capping a WTCS season which saw him claim a podium in Montreal and finish 14th in the overall season standings.

Saturday’s action in Langkawi retains some star power, notably with PTO Tour Asian Open champion Ashleigh Gentle all set to start in the pro women’s race.