Keulen wins first T100, Long recovers from ‘moments of panic’ to come second

Youri Keulen claimed his first T100 victory after emerging victorious in Singapore, in a podium completed by Sam Long and Pieter Heemeryck.

Keulen was at his imperious best until crossing the line on the run, where he collapsed before being tended to by medics.

The Dutchman is believed to be in safe hands after being overcome with exhaustion following a gruelling race in the Far East.

It was also a memorable day for the American, Long, who was overjoyed with his own display, despite being handed a 30-second penalty on the run and continuing his wait for a first T100 victory.

Long was penalised in the swimming section of the race after leaving his swim kit out of the box during the transition to the bike race.

Double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee was also given a 30-second penalty for a late dismount on the bike and eventually succumbed to a DNF after appearing to injure his calf.

“I’ve always been known for biking strong, but I didn’t really show that so much on the bike. I think my bike was still impressive and strong and I got myself into the race on the bike but it’s the run that I think I really showcased my strength and, to be honest, I was just having a super fun day out there and just in my own zone, in my own process, in the flow state.

“And it just all came together. I tried not to think about what the gap was. On the bike especially you got to see everyone twice per lap, right? So it’s very obvious. It really puts it right in your face how far back you are. But I actually said to myself: ‘Don’t look at how far back they are, just execute your mission and see what happens by the end of the day.”

Meanwhile, Heemeryck, admits he is not optimum condition, but the Belgian was pleased to claim a consecutive podium finish in this event.

“Last year I was a little bit better, but maybe it is earlier in the season so I’m not in the shape that I had hoped to be in already. But it’s a long season and I’ve finished two times on the podium here so it’s very good. But second to third, so next time I have to come back for first.

“It’s much more fun [with more races this season]. It will be a very big season, but it’s only the second race. I look forward to the next races, but I hope next year I can be part of the series again so I can race here again. Singapore is something special now after finishing on the podium two times.”

The race result means Keulen takes 35 points to go top of the T100 series standings, while Long goes second and one point behind Keulen in second after amassing 28 points, and Heemeryck took 25 points for coming third.

Attention now turns to the T100 race in San Francisco which takes place on June 7 and 8.