PTO World #5 staying true to his own training, says 30+ hour training weeks not necessary for success

Having enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023, Pieter Heemeryck is sticking with the winning formula this year and won’t be swayed from following his own path.

With help from his coach Lubos Bilek, the former schoolteacher said that finding out what works best for him as an individual played a key role in his recent successes.

Revealing his racing plans for 2024, Heemeryck intends to continue to build on his brilliant year in 2023 with an action-packed race schedule this season.

“Striving to find the right balance”

A husband and father as well as a professional triathlete, Heemeryck underlined the importance of finding a balance between all aspects on his life.

Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade

He told TRI247: “One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned from 2023 is the importance of staying true to my own training and racing style.

“I’ve realised that I’m not the type to log in 30+ hours of training every week. Instead, I focus on maintaining consistent, quality training while striving to find the right balance between sports and life in general.”

The affable Belgian, who says he intends to follow the same plan this season, thanked his team for the continued support that allows this system to thrive.

“This approach has served me well, and I plan to continue this in 2024. I have to add that it isn’t possible without my team around me, especially my coach Lubos Bilek, who likes to remain in the shadows.”

“My primary objective is to continue improving”

Discussing his goals for the upcoming season, Heemeryck said that his objectives are more process orientated than anything else, with his continued development the main priority.

“In 2024, my primary objective is to continue improving my performance and aim for higher rankings. I plan to go all in for the T100 and participate in a selection of other races.

“These will include The Championship in Samorin, the European IRONMAN Championship in Frankfurt, and of course, the World Championship in Kona.”

Having already qualified for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, Heemeryck is unsure if he will make the trip to New Zealand at the end of the year, with the decision to be made at a later date.

“I’ve also qualified for the 70.3 Worlds in Taupo, but given the current racing schedule, it might be challenging to participate in this event. However, I am committed to giving my best in every race I participate in so I will decide late in the season if I will race in Taupo or not.”