Powerman Vlaanderen
Geel, Belgium
Sunday, May 5, 2002
14k run, 60k bike, 7k run
www.powerman.be

On Sunday the second edition of Powerman Vlaanderen will take place in the center of Geel, Belgium. Over 200 athletes are expected for the main event, the long distance Powerman (14-60-7). More than 70 athletes come from outside Belgium. The field includes two World Champions - Benny Vansteelant and Erika Csomor (HUN). The men's race will be exciting because Benny's big rival, Jargon Dereere (BEL), will also compete. Other big names include Stefan Riesen (Sui), Alessandro Alessandri (IT), Soerensen (DEN), and Armand Vandersmissen.

Benny Vansteelant will present in Geel his brand new outfit with his new sponsors. Insiders know that Benny will try to bring a special performance in Geel as a revenge for his recent loss in the US. Benny will show the international scene that he still is the unbeatable king of duathlon.

Erika Csomor's main challengers are Ariane Schumacher (SUI), Ulrike Schwalbe (GER), Mieke Suys (BEL) and Hilde Wellens (BEL). The Powerman-races start at 14.15 (women) and 14.30 (men).

The short City Duathlon (4-20-2 / start at 12 :00) will become a big hit with more than 100 registrations. For a lot of athletes it will be the first participation in a duathlon. The professional cyclocross-riders Erwin Vervecken (UCI World Champion Elite 2001) and Bart Wellens will also
participate. So this additional event seems to be an ideal promotion for duathlon.

The same goes for the kid's races (10 :00). For the very first time Powerman Vlaanderen is part of a larger project in Geel : The Yellow City Challenge Week with a May 8 City Run and a May 12 1/4 Super Prestige Triathlon. This perfect co-operation delivers more publicity for duathlon and endurance sports in the area. In the Powerman Vlaanderen the ambitious organizing duathlon club 'Leen Bakker Actus - Challenge Duathlon Team Geel' will present their new athletes to the public : from now on top athletes like Erika Csomor, Armand Vandersmissen, Hilde Wellens and Mieke Suys are member of this fast growing club.

For all race details and a complete start list : www.powerman.be