How Bikefit Van Staeyen had a minuscule part in Geert Lauryssen’s victory in the Hell of Kasterlee

The Hel van Kasterlee is a duathlon race held in the Antwerp Kempen region, in the municipality of Kasterlee near Geel. The winter duathlon is organized by De Kastelse Durvers. It usually takes place in the month of December. It is the toughest duathlon in Belgium and requires a great deal of preparation. Bikefit Van Staeyen contributed to a fascinating preparation of the eventual 2024 winner: Geert Lauryssen.

Bikefit with one goal: the Hel van Kasterlee

The story of Geert Lauryssen and his victory in the Hel van Kasterlee is not only a story of physical strength and perseverance, but also a testament to the crucial role a professional bikefit can play in the world of off-road cycling.

Geert came to Bikefit Van Staeyen with a feeling of discomfort on his mountain bike. He was missing that essential 'good feeling'. With the 2024 XTerra season on the horizon, we knew that every detail counts in the preparation, and we were aiming for a strong result in the Hel van Kasterlee.

Our approach was thorough and based on the latest technologies. We focused not only on the bikefit, but also on his overall posture, both on and off the bike. We checked overall joint mobility, flexibility and carried out extensive strength tests to identify differences. The key to success lay in adjusting his saddle position and cleats, which led to a considerable improvement in his performance and comfort.

His first message after the bikefit read as follows:

"I went out on the track today with the mtb. What I think of it so far: My first feeling was that the saddle was too flat, but I got used to that pretty quickly on the road and it didn't bother me. By lowering the saddle and changing the cleats a bit, I now pedal less with my toes pointing down; I had to watch out for that before, and now it comes a bit more naturally. I also notice that every pedal stroke lands better; I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but my foot seems more stable on my pedal… So for now, only positive 🙂👍 tomorrow I'll normally be riding off-road in Kasterlee and then I'll let you know too 🙂 Thanks again for it eh 😉👍 Cheers"

"I went out on the track today with the mtb. What I think of it so far:

My first feeling was that the saddle was too flat, but I got used to that pretty quickly on the road and it didn't bother me.

By lowering the saddle and changing the cleats a bit, I now pedal less with my toes pointing down; I had to watch out for that before, and now it comes a bit more naturally.

I also notice that every pedal stroke lands better; I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but my foot seems more stable on my pedal…

So for now, only positive 🙂👍 tomorrow I'll normally be riding off-road in Kasterlee and then I'll let you know too 🙂

Thanks again for it eh 😉👍

Cheers"

1 day later:

"Went riding today as well, it sits really well and, just like yesterday, it feels like I can transfer my power better!! Great!! 👍"

"Went riding today as well, it sits really well and, just like yesterday, it feels like I can transfer my power better!! Great!! 👍"

How Geert's 'Hel' unfolded

The result of these adjustments became clear during the 21st Hel van Kasterlee, one of the toughest off-road races in Belgium. Geert overcame not only his bad luck, but also the challenging course and a strong field of participants to claim victory, following his 2nd place last year.

Kevin and Michael followed the Hel closely via the live ticker. It was a race full of tension and unexpected twists. At the start, Geert's tracker was not working, so we could not follow him. Good news soon followed that he was in the leading group after all. Geert's crash after a collision with an accompanying motorbike was a moment of fear, but his determination and improved riding position allowed him to fight back. In the final lap of the cycling segment, he showed his true strength by putting in a decisive acceleration together with Arno Brouwers, leaving Tim Van Hemel behind.

In the closing running lap, Geert managed to go solo straight away and hold his lead to eventually cross the finish line first. His victory is proof of his talent and perseverance, but also of the importance of a precisely tuned bikefit. Of great importance was the close contact we maintained with Geert between the bikefit and the Hel van Kasterlee, in order to intervene where necessary. This follow-up and guidance was of crucial importance.

His reaction after the Hel van Kasterlee:

"I still have a lot of messages to read, but I saw that you were in there 🙂 I told you I sit really well on it now eh 😉 thanks lads !!! ❤️"

"I still have a lot of messages to read, but I saw that you were in there 🙂 I told you I sit really well on it now eh 😉 thanks lads !!! ❤️"

At Bikefit Van Staeyen we are proud to have been able to play a small role in Geert's success. His story illustrates how an adjustment to riding position can make a world of difference in performance and comfort.

Geert's victory is not only his triumph, but also a satisfaction for Kevin and Michael, who want to offer precision and expertise to every cyclist. We congratulate Geert on his impressive performance and look forward to supporting the preparations for 2024.

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