The 2011 ETU Junior Triathlon series will be remembered for being one of the most open and competitive season’s in a long time.
In fifteen Junior events throughout the year, there were thirteen different female winners and ten different male. An incredibly diverse group of winners proving their potential to go on and become the triathlon stars of the future.
It’s no surprise then that the end of year rankings reflect the closeness of the competition. Only 42 points separated the top two Junior Men; Jelle Geens (BEL) and Matthias Steinwandter (ITA).
Nevertheless it was Geens who finished top and the Belgian was delighted with his performances this year. He said: “I’m very happy and proud I finished first in the European Junior rankings. It’s the icing on the cake of an almost perfect season.”
Geens recorded two victories at Echternach and Dusseldorf, as well as a silver medal at the European Championships in Pontevedra.
“This season was by far the best in my career up to now. With a 5th place on the European Duathlon Championships, 2nd place on the European Triathlon Championships and two wins in the Junior European cups.
“Only the World Championships in Beijing were below expectations (18th).
“At the beginning of the season I aimed for a top 8 finish in the junior rankings. I’ve only been swimming for 3 years now and I have made huge progress.
“But I have also made progress with my running, even though I have a running background.”
