Piet Wiersma - I have unfinished business at this year’s Comrades

The Dutch star, who runs for Nedbank Running Club, will return to the Ultimate Human Race as one of the favourites after a remarkable start to his Comrades career.

He finished second on debut in 2023 before claiming victory in 2024. Wiersma has spent several months training in Kenya and believes he is ready to challenge for a second title in the up-run.

He is also eager to continue his rivalry with three-time Comrades champion Tete Dijana of Hollywood Athletics Club.

“I was in Kenya preparing for this race and I feel confident. I want to settle a score and try to win again,” Wiersma told SABC Sport.

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“I am the defending champion and, of course, there is pressure on me. That is why I say I have unfinished business at Comrades.”

The rivalry between Wiersma and Dijana remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of Sunday's race.

Although Dijana has moved to a different club, Wiersma insists their relationship and competitive spirit remains unchanged.

“The fact that he left for Hollywood Athletics has changed nothing for me,” he said.

“During the race we compete hard, but we respect each other. The rivalry is still the same, even though we now run for different teams.”

Despite winning the race in 2024, Wiersma feels he is still capable of producing an even better performance.

“I finished second in my first year and won in my second year, but I missed out on the record,” he explained.

“I feel that I have not had a great Comrades yet, but I believe I can have a great race this year. There is no such thing as a perfect race, but I think there is still more in me.”

Asked about the possibility of breaking the course record, Wiersma said much will depend on how the race unfolds.

“We will see on Sunday. It depends on the race and the strength of the field. There are many strong runners, so we will have to see if the opportunity is there.”

The 2024 champion admits that much of the pressure comes from within. 

“There is always pressure on me to win, but it is pressure that I put on myself. I run for the people I care about, and I approach every race as if it is my first and my last.”