Belgian star Marten van Riel has confirmed that he won’t be fit enough to race again in 2022 following the ankle injury he sustained at WTCS Leeds back in early June.

The 29-year-old took a crashing fall on the run within sight of the finish at Roundhay Park but still managed to crawl over the line in 12th place.

Initially it appeared a dislocated shoulder was the more serious issue but an MRI revealed a bone oedema in the talus (ankle bone) which has largely prevented him from running.

Frustration continues

He had hoped to return to action this year but revealed the bad news on Instagram: “Little life update; Unfortunately my comeback to running is not going as smooth as I hoped for. I still have pain and I am only up to a couple of minutes of running 😩 .

“It is very frustrating because its almost six months now since I fell and hurt my ankle. Every time I feel like I am taking some steps forward I seem to have to take a couple steps back again.

“The sliver of hope that I still had to race in December finally disappeared.. 2023 vision starts now 😎. We are still out here working hard.”

It’s just over a year since his epic battle with Alex Yee in the final race of the 2021 Super League Triathlon season.

And at the start of this season, Van Riel claimed an impressive victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai, beating Kristian Blummenfelt among others as he made it two wins out of two at that distance.

We wish him well with his continued recovery.