Loranne Vleminckx and Kjell De Bruyn Crowned Belgian Long Distance Champions

The next-to-last race of the 2024 Belgian SUP Tour (BST) took place recently at the Brugges Classic in Bruges, hosting the Belgian Open Long Distance SUP Championships. Originally scheduled a month earlier, the event was postponed due to the presence of blue algae, but athletes arrived in peak form, four of them fresh from competing at the ISA World Championships in Copenhagen. The chilly weather forecast held true with temperatures of 10°C, though the anticipated wind only picked up around midday, coinciding with the elite women’s, amateur, and kids’ races.

The event, held at the “Aan de Plas” club, marked its 10th year and has evolved into the prestigious Bruges Classic. A key feature of this race is the “Super Lap” format, where competitors must complete five laps, with one shorter lap taken at their discretion. Given the smaller venue and limited space, categories raced at separate times.

A total of 35 athletes from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands registered for the event, including four participants from the World Championships. The elite men and women faced a 10.5 km course, while U16 and amateur athletes raced 6.5 km, and the U14 kids competed over 3.5 km.

In the elite men’s race, the highlight was a closely-fought duel between Kjell De Bruyn of Belgium and France’s 16-year-old Thomas Dusart, with Kjell ultimately clinching victory in a thrilling sprint finish. The women’s elite competition saw a standout performance from promising U16 paddler Loranne Vlemincks, who crossed the finish line ahead of Dutch regular Diane Koornstra.

Equally intense were the battles for the Grand Masters and Grand Kahunas podiums, where both men’s and women’s fields fought fiercely for top spots. The amateur men’s race was dominated by Dutch paddlers, continuing their strong presence at BST events. Notably, 2024 marks the final year where 14′ hardboards will be permitted in this category.

Though there were only two competitors in the kids’ race, the BST is committed to fostering future talent, aiming to motivate young paddlers to pursue this growing sport.

Looking ahead, the 2024 Belgian SUP Tour (BST) is set to conclude with the final race of the season, SUP 4 Life, taking place in Ghent on December 15. This event will bring paddlers together once more for a thrilling finish to the tour, as athletes aim to close out the year on a high. The excitement of the Belgian SUP community will no doubt carry into this final race, promising competitive performances and a strong sense of camaraderie to wrap up the season.

2024 Belgian Long Distance Podium Men
1. Kjell DE BRUYN
2. Wim LUYCKX
3. Manuel LAUWERS

2024 Belgian Long Distance Podium Women
1. Loranne VLEMINCX (U16)
2. Nathalie VAN OLMEN
3. Deborah WOUTERS

Elites (General ranking) M:
1. Kjell DE BRUYN – BE
2. Thomas DUSART (U16) – FR
3. Reinder IJMKER – NL
4. Wim LUYCKX – BE
5. Manuel LAUWERS – BE

Elites (General ranking) F:
1. Loranne VLEMINCX (U16) – BE
2. Diane KOORNSTRA – NL
3. Nathalie VAN OLMEN – BE
4. Deborah WOUTERS – BE

Elites Grand Master M:
1. Reinder IJMKER – NL
2. Manuel LAUWERS – BE
3. Tim VERBRAEKEN – BE

Elites Grand Kahunas M:
1. Richard Proost – NL
2. Dirk DE BEUF – BE
3. Marnix V/D BOOM – NL

Elites Grand Master & Kahunas F:
1. Diane KOORNSTRA – NL
2. Lesly ADRIAENSEN – BE
3. Martine LAMBRECHTS – BE

Kids:
1. Robin HOEKSTRA (U16) – NL
2. Brent LAUWERS – Kids Boys – BE
3. Hannelore LAUWERS  – Kids Girls – BE

Recreants M:
1. Johan HOEKSTRA – NL
2. Jan BOUDESTEIN (H) – NL
3. Kirsten LAUWERS – BE

Recreants F:
1. Annick SLEDSENS – BE
2. Nele WYNANTS – BE
3. Hilde VAN MIERLO – BE

To follow The Belgian SUP Tour:
www.facebook.com/groups/509142407237042
www.belgiansuptour.be

To register for SUP 4 Life on December 15!
www.facebook.com/events/281916291403046/