Pieter Heemeryck is determined to turn his fortunes around after a difficult start to his 2021 season.

Ranked at #14 for Team Europe ahead of the rescheduled Collins Cup, Heemeryck picked up five 70.3 wins back in 2019 as he established himself firmly among the world’s elite triathletes.

The Belgian also topped the Challenge Family World Bonus standings that year – his first as a professional.

Pieter then came home in a respectable 18th at the PTO 2020 Championship in Florida, which saw one of the strongest fields ever assembled by the sport.

2021 started with Heemeryck racing at IRONMAN Dubai, but after struggling on the 90km bike leg he decided to pull out of the event.

The 31-year-old had looked set to bounce back from his disappointment in the Middle East after a strong start to his race at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria.

He exited the water within seven seconds of race leader Andrea Salvisberg, and was still in touch with the leaders after clocking one of the quicker bike splits of the day at 2:05:39.

However, Heemeryck was forced to withdraw once again before completing the run. Regardless, he remains optimistic about the season, with both events in 2021 providing much-needed competitive racing after a winter break.

“Bad times make the good times better,” he wrote on social media after the Gran Canaria race. “Not the way I hoped to start my season with a second DNF in a row but I will have to deal with it.

“Getting back on a good level but still some time needed to compete with the best athletes in the world. Thanks for the support! Will be back soon.”

Pieter will aim for improved performances during the coming months, with his results since turning professional two years ago meaning he is still in contention for a Team Europe place at August’s Collins Cup.

Here are his ‘Weapons of Choice’:

Swim

Goggles: Blueseventy
Wetsuit: Blueseventy Helix
Speedsuit: Blueseventy PZ4TX
Trisuit: Skinfit Streamliner Bullet

Bike

Bike frame: Scott Plasma 6
Frame size: 54
Aerobars: Syncros
Front wheel: DT Swiss Arc 1100
Rear Wheel: DT Swiss Disc
Tyres: Continental GP 5000
Component Groupset: Shimano Dura ace/Ultegra
Power meter: Stages
Crank Length: 172.5mm
Gearing: 55/42
Helmet: Scott Split Plus
Cycling Shoes: Scott Road RC SL Premium
Saddle: Syncros Belcarra Tri

Run

Shoes: Hoka One One Carbon X
Eyewear: 100%
Headwear: Compressport