Angelo Vandecasteele Achieves Heroic Victory at Hel van Kasterlee Duathlon
Braving brutal conditions, only one-third of participants managed to finish the world’s toughest duathlon.
The 22nd edition of the Hel van Kasterlee, held on December 22, 2023, will be remembered not only for the fierce competition but also for the fierce weather conditions. Angelo Vandecasteele triumphed, completing the grueling course consisting of 15 kilometers of running, 125 kilometers of mountain biking, and another 30 kilometers of running, all under relentless rain, hail, and mud.
Vandecasteele crossed the finish line with a time of 8 hours, 51 minutes, and 15 seconds, making it the slowest recorded time for the event since its inception. Last year's champion, Geert Lauryssen, was absent due to injury, leaving the door open for Vandecasteele.
“This was undoubtedly the hardest edition ever,” said Vandecasteele, reflecting on the challenging conditions. The race started with 376 athletes, but over 250 competitors were unable to finish, marking this event as one of the highest attrition rates ever seen.
Vandecasteele kicked off strongly, completing the first running segment in 45 minutes, 55 seconds, leading the pack. Seppe Odeyn, the ten-time winner, started three minutes after but made up ground on the bike. Despite his reputation, Odeyn faced significant struggles during the transition. "I couldn't get my shoes on due to the cold," he explained, highlighting the ordeal he endured.
While Odeyn initially took the lead early during the final run segment, it was Vandecasteele who reclaimed the race, gradually pulling away to secure his first victory at this prestigious event. He finished nearly six minutes faster than Odeyn, who clocked 8:57:14 for second place, with Nick Peers rounding out the podium at 9:15:40.
Geert van Kuijk, who finished fifth overall at 9:24:23, retained his title as the fastest Dutch competitor. "I think it’s fair to say it was brutal out there, but I'm glad for my performance," Van Kuijk said, highlighting his improvement from 11th last year.
For the women, Lotte de Vet dominated the competition, repeating her previous year’s victory with a finish time of 11:17:52. Lotte Bakx followed, nearly 35 minutes later at 11:52:04. They were the only two women to successfully complete the race, which unfortunately saw several dropouts among female competitors, including An Ravestijn who withdrew before finishing.
This year's edition solidified Vandecasteele's place among the best as he outperformed many past champions. With his victory, he officially began his own legacy within the storied history of the Hel van Kasterlee. The stark reality of the event's formidable reputation was made clear on this day as athletes faced not only physical challenges but also the relentless elements, turning the course truly deserving of its name.
Phenomenal performances marked this year’s event, with nearly one-third of all participants managing to reach the finish line against all odds. This edition of the Hel van Kasterlee will go down as not just another race but as one of triumph over the elements, showcasing the grit and determination of the athletes who dared to take on the challenge.
Moving forward, the event will likely continue to attract enthusiasts from across the globe, eager to test their limits against what is humorously yet aptly named the ‘Hell of Kasterlee.’ Only time will tell how next year’s competitors will stack up against the ferocity of the course and the weather once more.
