International Triathlon Union

Athlete Biography

As far as I recall, I have always been attracted to action and movement. I could not stay still, I did not like to sit down, I had to move and do something constantly. Naturally, I followed the path of physical activity by participating in many different sports, such as football, tennis, running, swimming, biking, basketball, skiing, or track & field. My first triathlon was the Antibes Triathlon in May 2004 where I was 10yrs old and it was also my first victory. But I had been swimming, biking & running since the age of 7. I think what triggered my attraction to triathlon was a trip to Kona in 1998 where my father, one of the pioneers of triathlon in his country, Belgium, went on to win his 40-44 age group in the Hawaii Ironman. I remember finding that extraordinary. Then, as a kid, I believe I unconsciously followed his example and then it became, little by little, a very personal choice. For many years, I was a member of clubs in most of the sports mentioned above. As they say, I was a “natural” in sports. Growing up, I finally had to make choices in order to become very competitive in one or two fields instead of remaining simply good or even very good in all of them. So I chose triathlon. As a first-year Junior in 2011, I have been selected by the Italian Junior National Team and finished 6th at the Duathlon Worlds in Gijon. After having passed with Honors the French Baccalauréat ES with a GPA of 15/20 last June, I had decided this last winter to take a one year sabbatical and go to train full time with Warwick Dalziel’s squad in Brisbane, Australia from where I just returned. It was an enriching experience even though, training-wise, all did not go very well. I improved my swimming which was profitable. On the bike and run however I did not improve as much as I would have wanted. Back from Australia, the results of two Lab Maximum effort tests were not where I expected them to be at this time of the season. Not being in AUS anymore I changed coach in April 2012 after the European Champs in Eilat where my objectives were to “play” the podium. I wasn’t in shape and I did poorly. The second big objective was the World Triathlon Championships in Auckland. I will also participate in several Tristar111 where, after my great 2nd place at the Tristar111 Monaco, I have had the privilege to be chosen as Tristar Ambassador. Since my return from Downunder, I have been working hard on my bike, mainly through racing, and I am getting back to a higher level. My running is also improving well. Proof of it, I just won the Tristar55.5 Cannes and finished 5th in the Vienna Junior Cup. In 2013, I intend to pursue my studies at an American university while continuing my triathlon career. Long term, my goals are the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Athlete Sponsors: Biemme, Camaro, Deda Elementi, Powerbar, Tristar, Zoot

Athlete Language: French, English,Italian

Athlete Tri Entry Year: 2004

Athlete Other Sports: alpine ski, cycling, tennis

Athlete Education: French BAC ES with Honors (15/20)

Athlete Hobbies: cinema, reading, music

Athlete Sports Hero: Lance Armstrong, Craig Alexander

Athlete Proudest Moment: 2nd place at Tristar111 Monaco in 2011

Athlete Coach: Andrea Gabba