Colleague Thibaut in top 5 of the World Games 2025

A ticket to the World Games

The road to Chengdu began in Rumia, during the European Championships in Poland. There, Thibaut had to finish among the first three Belgians to qualify for the World Games.

Thibaut: " It was a flat and fast course, so I didn't rate my chances very high. But everything went perfectly and I finished as the second Belgian. When I received word three days later that I was officially selected for the World Games, I was obviously very happy. I had made the World Games my goal. "

China: a unique experience

Once he arrived in Chengdu, Thibaut immediately noticed that the adventure was about more than just the race. Everything was organized to perfection, though with strict security controls.

Thibaut: " I think I was frisked and had to go through a scanner at least 100 times. What stayed with me most was how enthusiastic the people were. No matter where we went, they wanted to take a photo or have a chat. In the beginning, it took some getting used to, but after a few days, I felt completely at ease. It truly became an unforgettable experience. "

Did you get to see much of Chengdu?

Thibaut: " Unfortunately, there was less time for that. I did see a few things, like the panda reserve and some beautiful parks and buildings. But sadly, playing the tourist wasn't really on the agenda. "

Goosebumps at the finish

No time to play the tourist, as race day started for Thibaut at 4:00 AM. The start was scheduled for 8:00 AM due to the hot and humid weather.

Thibaut: " First a hearty breakfast with all the duathletes, followed by an hour-long shuttle bus ride to the race location. Upon arrival, I had to check everything in: bike, running shoes, and race gear. Then I set up my bike in the transition zone and started my warm-up. "

And his greatest moment? That didn't happen on the podium, but beside it.

Thibaut: “ My girlfriend and brothers had traveled all the way to China to cheer me on. Back home in Belgium, my family had also gotten up in the middle of the night specifically to follow the race live. To finish in the top 5 and share those emotions… that gave me goosebumps. "

After the interviews and the photo session, it was straight into the ice bath and back to the athletes' village for food and much-needed rest.

Thibaut: “ The atmosphere within Team Belgium was really great! A doctor, physiotherapist, and psychologist came along from Belgium to support us. We won four medals with the duathletes, so it’s safe to say we had a top team. ”

What does the future hold?

Thibaut started out as a cyclo-cross rider and cyclist before switching to duathlon.

Thibaut: “ During the COVID period, there were no cyclo-cross or cycling races. In addition to cycling, I started doing more running training back then. I did more and more duathlons and noticed that it was actually going quite well. ”

A bullseye, indeed! Meanwhile, his track record includes four world titles in (cross) duathlon, one European title, and five Belgian titles. He also regularly appears at the start of the French Grand Prix circuit.

But for Thibaut, the icing on the cake is still far off.

Thibaut: “ Everything else that comes my way is a bonus. But I eventually want to make the transition to longer distances. An Ironman is definitely on my bucket list. The most important thing is that I can continue to enjoy duathlon for a long time to come. ”

Huge congratulations from us, Thibaut!

The World Games take place only once every four years and are known as the absolute pinnacle of the sport of duathlon. The fact that our colleague Thibaut was not only able to compete there but also finished in the global top 5 makes us incredibly proud.

Once again, a massive congratulations, Thibaut!