Van Berkel scores podium at Ironman Cairns!
The 36-year-old Aussie has been a mainstay at the front of the pack over Ironman Cairns’s decade-long history. He won the event in 2016 and has six podium performances over the years. This year’s pro men’s race saw a repeat podium from 2020, with Max Neumann, Van Berkel and Josh Amberger finishing first, second and third respectively.
“It was great to be back in Cairns, especially for the 10th anniversary of the Ironman Asia-Pacific champs,” Van Berkel said after the finish. “I always enjoy racing this course and conditions really proved tough on the day.”After coming out of the 2.4-mile swim in a strong lead group, Van Berkel put in a fast ride on his Trinity Advanced Pro bike with a CADEX Aero Race WheelSystem, clocking a time of 4:29:37 over 112 miles. He also chose the Giant Rivet TT helmet. “I had a great swim coming out in the lead group followed by a solid ride with the boys coming off in fourth," he said. "I managed to pull up into second place on the run and hold it to secure a podium.”
Though he was aiming for the win, Van Berkel said he was “absolutely stoked with my race,” adding “overall it was another good result. Now I’m looking forward to the next race on the calendar.”
