Van Avermaet, who retired from professional cycling in 2023, remains highly active in endurance sports. According to his Strava post, the 40-year-old Belgian swam two kilometers in about forty minutes during the session.
Even without a race number pinned on, the former Olympic gold medallist still competes regularly. This year, Van Avermaet has participated in several gravel races, including the World Championships in South Limburg, where he finished in an impressive fifth position.
Will Van der Poel ever try triathlon?
While Van der Poel does not seem to have immediate plans to compete in a triathlon, he has long hinted that it’s on his bucket list. Two years ago, in a video with popular YouTuber Average Rob (Robert Van Impe), the Alpecin–Deceuninck rider made a promise: if the video reached 42,000 likes, he would one day take part in a full Ironman.
Average Rob also revealed some time ago on Play Sports’ LAMBERT & ALBERT podcast that Van der Poel had already considered entering a half Ironman (a specific type of triathlon) in Portugal. “Mathieu had almost taken part in a half Ironman in Portugal,” said Average Rob. “He was really looking into it, but for a professional cyclist, it’s simply impossible to fit into his schedule.”
He added that the Dutch rider remains serious about the idea, although not in the near future. “That’s impossible. He has promised to do a full Ironman with us one day, but I think that’s something for four, five, six, or ten years from now, after his cycling career is over. Or maybe when he’s in a quieter phase and wants to use it as training.”
Van Impe also praised Van der Poel’s natural athleticism. “He can apparently swim much better than people think. He’s a guy who can do everything well. A phenomenon.”