Daan De Groot (NED), number 3 of the current Powerman World Ranking 2018/19

“I never did such an insanely long distance before”

In a series we present the top favourites of the 2019 Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships. Today it’s Daan De Groot’s time. The 27-year-old Dutch is the current number 3 in the Powerman World Ranking 2018/19. Because he never before did such a long distance before, he will gain in Zofingen some experience.

“Yes, I will very likely start at the 31st Powerman Zofingen,” confirms Daan De Groot on request. «Of course, I need to stay injury-free, but all is going well for now.» This with one exception: «I was a bit sick the last couple of weeks because I seem to be allergic to a specific kind of caterpillar that has invaded the Netherlands. But that seems to be under control for now.» Powerman Zofingen means 10 Km running, 150 km one the bike and than another 30 km running. «Last year I started for the first time in Zofingen over the short distance and I won the race. I never made such a long distance before, so I mainly come for gaining some experience in doing such an insanely long distance.» De Groot is in a very good shape. «I’m super satisfied with the season so far. I feel great and keep improving.» His biggest successes this year are definitely his wins at the Powerman Alsdorf and at the European Championships in Viborg. Before the 8th of September De Groot might do a half triathlon in Eupen, Belgium, «but I’m not sure yet».

Text: Raphael Galliker

Here you can find more info about the registration for the Powerman Zofingen 2019

Caption:
The soon 28-year-old Dutch Daan De Groot won last year in Zofingen over the short distance. This year he will gain some experience over the long distance because he’s never done such an effort before. Photo: zVg