New York

Christophe Vandaele is the CEO and President of SBR Multisports and CEO of Central Park Bike Tours. Christophe is a serial entrepreneur, previously founding multinational firms CV Concierge and Redline Diplomatic Relocations. Prior to moving to the US, Christophe was an officer in the Belgian Special Forces and served in a multitude of operations including those in Somalia, Congo, Zaire and Rwanda. He received his training at the notorious castle "d' Arenberg" Military Academy at Marche-Les-Dames known for its 5% graduation ratio. There, he received dual masters’ degrees in Political Science and Military and Social Science.

SBR Multisports is among the world's largest triathlon specialty retailers. Christophe started SBR as a hobby project after his concierge business was acquired. Soon after, his competitive spirit took over and SBR became a full-fledged business. The passion and enthusiasm SBR has for triathlon is demonstrated in the relentless pursuit of the best: from superior service provided to their customers, to commitment to give back to their sport, to concern for the environment. SBR is dedicated to the promotion of the sport by helping athletes achieve their best not only through product selection but also through nutrition, training and racing advice.

In late 2007 Christophe acquired Central Park Bike Tours. CPBT is America's leading bicycle rental and tours company, serving thousands of satisfied customers each year. The success of the company is based on a simple philosophy: We offer top-of-the-line rental equipment, meticulously planned and organized rides and tours, and outstanding customer service. CPBT is a "green" company, helping our world's environment by encouraging alternative, safe and healthy modes of transportation. CPBT operates daily bicycle tours of Manhattan's Central Park escorted by energetic and informed multilingual tour guides. The tours afford participants the opportunity to view New York City as an oasis full of hidden treasures. CPBT is planning to expand into other cities and parks throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia in the near future.

Christophe is a six-time Ironman finisher. After taking a three-year hiatus from Ironman, he is returning to the distance with eagerness. As the CEO of two companies, Christophe doesn't get to train as much as he'd like, but his competitive spirit drives him.

In March of this year Christophe made it his mission to plant the Lion Flag on the summit of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. He arrived in Kathmandu the 29th of March, from where the expedition started. Christophe began his actual climb of the 29,029 feet high mountain on the 11th of April.

Christophe undertook this endeavor in the spirit of the Flemings that ventured to the New World in the early 17th century. Their values shaped America as we know it. With others from the Low Countries, these adventurous citizens built a new society of free men. Values like love of freedom, entrepreneurship, international openness, drive and hard work are shared by Flemings and Americans alike, and make for a strong bond between our people. “To celebrate this Flemish American legacy” Christophe writes in his mission statement, “I want to raise for the first time in history the “Vlaamse Leeuw” on the summit of Mt Everest.”

After three consecutive attempts Christophe had to stop his climb: altitude sickness got the best of him. Some think we should stick to lower altitudes, yet as history has shown, Flemings have done best when they followed their ambitions. Christophe’s journey is a prime example of our motivation to keep setting higher goals, for ourselves and for the rest of the world as well.