Posted: March 2, 2005

Triathlon: Marc Herremans (BEL) will compete in the Handcycle Division at the Opel IRONMAN GERMANY

As a competitor Marc Herremans is well known: in 2001 he was considered to be a big talent and successful with a 6th place at the IRONMAN Triathlon Worldchampionships in Kona (Hawaii). Only a couple months later nothing was the same and his career was disrupted by serious accicent while training on the bike. His spinal cord was damaged and Marc since then been sentenced to a wheelchair. His will was strong and he came back to the sport. At the Opel IRONMAN GERMANY he will be the first athlete to challenge the demanding course in the “Handcycle Devision”.

With his participation Marc Herremans not only wants to prepare for the IRONMAN Triathlon Worldchampionships but also wants to promote his foundation “To Walk Again”, which raises money for medical research in the field of spinal cord damages.

“It’s a symbolic gesture for the integration of handicapped athletes inside the IRONMAN Series and in sports in general”, says Kurt Denk, President of Opel IRONMAN GERMANY, and adds: “Marc has been already one of the best IRONMAN athletes before his accident; with his sportive development nowadays he underlines impressively his charisma. A sportsman like Marc is an ideal ambassador for the IRONMAN. We wish Marc a great experience here in Frankfurt and look forward to see him racing in front of crowds of spectators.

You’ll find more information about the Belgian with his fighting spirit and his foundation on our website at the “Pro Corner”.

The Ironman Germany website is at: www.opel-ironman.de.