tri.my

Sarawak out to end Selangor’s 12-year domination

2008-05-29T15:32:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak have in their Sukma contingent several prominent national athletes and they are looking at ending Selangor's 12-year domination at the 12th edition of the biennial Games in Terengganu.

Selangor have topped the standings since 1996 when they ended Sarawak's reign. Sarawak were the champions for three consecutive editions since 1990 when they were the hosts.

Golden boy: Sarawak are banking on Daniel Bego to deliver in the pool.

The champions of the Games in Terengganu will be decided by the gold medal count instead of points as in previous editions. Sarawak finished second in the standings at the last Games in Kedah and they had a medal haul of 36-42-55. Selangor had a tally of 53-44-56.

The Games in Terengganu are offering 404 gold medals, Sarawak have a contingent of 605 athletes and they will compete in 29 of the 31 sports in the programme.

The Sarawakians, who will not be represented in equestrian and petanque, are strong in athletics and aquatics – the two sports offering many gold medals. There are 45 gold medals at stake in athletics while aquatics offer 48 (38 in swimming and 10 in diving).

A national athlete can compete in a maximum of two individual event and Sarawak have Beijing Olympics-bound Daniel Bego to get gold medals in the men's 200m freestyle and 200m butterfly races. And his presence should help Sarawak challenge strongly for three relay gold medals.

In the women's swimming competitions, Sarawak can bank on two promising youngsters – Erika Kong and Hii Siew Siew in the breaststroke races and 200m butterfly respectively.

Sarawak have in their ranks Beijing-bound diver Bryan Nickson. They also have Elizabeth Jimie and Pandelela Rinong and are odds on favourites to grab the lion's share of the gold medals at stake.

Wushu offers 20 gold medals and this is another sport where Sarawak will be banking on to add to the golden count.

Leading their charge are World Championships silver medallist and Korat SEA Games champion Diana Bong and Loh Jack Chang, who took silver in the Asian Championships in Macau last week.

Sarawak earned four gold medals in Alor Star two years ago but their wushu chief coach James Ting said they were hopeful of a much better haul in Terengganu.

“While the competition now is equally spread out because most of the other states also have Chinese coaches, we will be happy if we can secure a repeat of our performance in 2004 in Kedah where we took home seven gold medals,” he said.

Sarawak athletes have traditionally excelled in field events of the athletics programme and this is expected to continue in Kuala Terengganu while national paddler Chai Kian Beng will lead their charge to extend domination in table tennis.

Other national athletes expected to shine are recurve archer Noor Aziera Taip and golfer Michelle Ting.

Sarawak also have national triathlete and two-time SEA Games champion Kimbeley Yap to help their cause and she will also compete in the women's road cycling time trial.

Koh Chye’s wish is for athletes to remain injury-free

2008-05-27T22:10:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Chef-de-mission Datuk Ho Koh Chye has one wish for the Beijing Olympics-bound athletes as they move into the final phase of their preparations for the Games in August. He wants them all to remain injury-free.

Malaysia now have 32 athletes in their contingent and they will compete in eight sports – aquatics (swimming and diving), athletics, archery, track cycling, badminton, sailing, shooting and taekwondo.

The latest to make the grade is high jumper Lee Hup Wei, who met the qualifying mark of 2.27m in winning the gold medal at the China Open in Beijing on Sunday. The effort by Hup Wei also broke the national record of 2.24m, set by Loo Kum Zee at the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai.

For the 2004 Athens Olympics, Malaysia were represented by 26 athletes in 10 sports.

Koh Chye said that their greatest concern now was athletes coming down with injury in the run-up to the Games.

A breather: Chef-de-mission for the Beijing Olympics, Datuk Ho Koh Chye, having a light moment with the badminton team during his visit to the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil Monday.

“At this level, remaining injury free is half the battle won. If they suffer injuries, they have to spend precious time on rehabilitation and we will not know whether they will be able to peak in competition,” said Koh Chye after visiting the Olympic-bound shuttlers at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The number of athletes in the Malaysian contingent may increase. The women recurve archers will bid to make the grade from the world qualifiers in France at the end of next month while triathlete Kimbeley Yap is hoping for a wild card.

Malaysia, who have no qualifiers for team sports, are looking at ending a medal drought in two previous Games.

Badminton remains the best bet for medals but recent good performances from Malaysian track cyclists and archers have raised hopes of surprises in Beijing.

The men's recurve team emerged with silver medal finishes in the Olympic test event and Asian Championships in Xian last year.

In track cycling, Azizul Hasni Awang stamped his mark by taking two gold medals in the Asian Championships in Japan in April. He retained his keirin title and also won the 200m sprint.

“In track cycling and archery, our male athletes have showed their competitiveness against some of the best in the world. There is hope that they can rise to the occasion,” said Koh Chye.

Malakoff University Duathlons 2008

2008-05-26T11:59:00.002+08:00

This year, MALAKOFF CORPORATION BERHAD presents the MALAKOFF UNIVERSITY DUATHLON SERIES 2008 fueled by POWERBAR (MUDS).

CLick the link above for the official event website.

Sunday PCC Road Ride

2008-05-22T07:57:00.000+08:00

Gold Coast Beach ride (96km)

After a long weekend of climbs to Frasers and Bentong, it's time to head on to some flatter grounds. We will be getting the sea breeze gently blowing in our faces, the tanginess of salt water on our lips, coconut trees swaying by a golden-sanded beach, sounds of lapping waves in the background. Ya, you'd be right... we're headed to the Gold Coast of Malaysia; Bagan Lalang.

Date: 25 May Sunday

Time: 7:30am (please be there 15minutes before start. The train leaves on time)

Start/ End: MTDC carpark, Bangi

Route: Option 1: MTDC-Salak Tinggi-Sepang-Salak Tinggi-MTDC (70km)

Option 2: MTDC-Salak Tinggi- Sepang- Sg Pelek-Bagan Lalang-Sg Pelek-Salak Tinggi-MTDC (96km)

Mostly flat and some rolling roads, except for one little dimple on the way back. Low to moderate vehicular traffic. But do keep singlefiled and furthest left at one stretch from Salak Tinggi to Sepang.

Newbies should go for Option 1. You should be back at your car well before 11:00 am.

Oldies have to do the full loop. You know who you are... Whichever way you choose, please stop to enjoy the cendol madu and sweet nectar of sugar canes alongside the road from Salak Tinggi to MTDC.

Work on your endurance, at no more than 85% of max heart rate (220-age) or if you dun have a HR monitor; it's when you are laboring to complain about the ride. Cadence should be about 90rpm (anymore and your cute butt will start to bounce on your saddle) on a moderately heavy gear. You should be able to maintain this effort til the cows come home. Good training for the coming PCC Interstate 08!

Triathlon Tips for Parents & Youth

2008-05-21T10:12:00.000+08:00

Today is the final installment of our three-part series on triathlon tips for parents and youth.

7. Use sunglasses whenever possible on the bike. The wind can cause tears and blurring eyesight.

8. The bike to run is tough for new triathletes. Even good runners struggle to run well after riding. Prepare for this with practice and by starting with a slightly shorter stride, concentrating on form, being relaxed and breathing out during the run.

9. The last stages of the triathlon run are mentally and physically difficult. With a swim in the arms and a bike ride in the legs, finishing off the run will test the toughest kid. The mental components are hard to teach but encouragement in the form of finishing and feeling good about the process of training and racing must be a priority of the parent. Focus your late race comments and motivation on the process and not outcome for your young triathlete.

10. Stand tall and be proud of what you and your child accomplished. They did it; they participated and completed the task! They and you are winners the second they stepped up to the starting line in that cold dark water and took their first stoke. You both were players in this game of Tri life and that’s better than being a spectator!

Check back soon on triathlon.org for more Training Tips

Click here for part 1 in the series on triathlon tips for parents & youth
Click here for part 2 in the series on triathlon tips for parents & youth
Click here for videos and more training tips

2008 A'Famosa Triathlon Results

2008-05-21T10:04:00.001+08:00

A'Famosa results are out! Click here.

Vesak Long Weekend Rides

2008-05-15T12:52:00.002+08:00

PCC Sunday Road Ride – Fraser’s Hill (80km)

After all the flat stages we've been having of late, it's time we look upwards for this week's ride. Ride in cool, gentle & shaded road to Gap and then up Fraser's Hill Clock Tower. Cycle the ride voted "Best Ride in Klang valley". We will be using the old way from the Gap (odd hours going up and even hours coming down). I'm sure it will become one of your favourite rides after this. This is a ride not to be missed.

Date: 18 May 08 Sunday

Time: Train leaves 8am sharp (please be there 15minutes earlier)

Start/ End: Kuala Kubu Baru Stadium carpark.

Ride Distance: 80km

We will have first regroup at the Gap. We start riding up from Gap at 11am. The distance is no more than 8km. R&R will be at the food stalls near the Clock Tower in Fraser's Hill. Congratulations, you have just climbed 1500m above sea level!

Convoy: There will be a convoy leaving from the Rawang toll station (after exiting the NKVE) at 7:20am if you are unsure how to get there.

Call our Ride leader, Fei Chai Don (017-8830538) should you have any queries. See yuh Sunday ya!

PCC Vesak Day Bentong Ride - Ais Kacang Special!

Enjoying the cool breezes up the vintage Genting Highland route and turn off towards Bentong for some nice treats of Ice Kacang (not sure will operate on Wesak Day) or maybe wantan mee. After breakfast, head back to Hospital Orang Asli via the same route. Of course you got to climb like hell then lah.

Date: Monday May 19th 2008

Start Time: 7.30 am. Please check in ready-to-ride at least 15 min before start.

Meeting/Starting Place: Hospital Orang Asli, Gombak

Ride Distance: 90km

Ride Leader: Soh-soh only!

Directions:

From PJ: - Take MRR2 Kepong Bound, exit at Jalan Gombak and head towards Hospital Orang Asli.

From Cheras - Take MRR2 Cheras Bound, Exit at the International Islam University of Malaysia. GO straight and turn right at the T-Junction traffic lights towards Hospital Orang Asli.

See you there!

For more info, please contact Saucy Hong @ 016 2122 696.

NO HELMET NO RIDE!

Ulu Langat & Batu Arang Rides

Sam says: -

"Folks

I know that some of you are doing the New Balance 15k on Sunday and there is an extra ride on Monday (a public holiday). Nevertheless, there will be a ride on Saturday for those who want.

So and on Saturday, I propose a ride to Hulu Langat including Peres hill and with a stop at the coffee shop next to the dam. Light-weights can skip the hill ….. if they dare!

Meet at Mega Mall at 0630 or at Hulu Langat police station traffic lights at 7.05.

On Monday, the plan is to do a leisurely ride to Batu Arang via Ijok.

Meet at Sungai Buloh toll on LDP at 0645.

Please let me know if you plan to come along on either or both rides. Cheers.

Sam"

Simon says: -

"I'll be there fore the Saturday ride, I'm doing the 15k run on Sunday but I'll be the sweeper at the back - too hilly for me to attack this race - beware if you run with me though, you'll have to put up with my bad jokes.

I might do the ride on Monday but then I might play golf - to be confirmed"

Vesak Day Genting Ride

There is also a ride from HOA or Genting Sempah, up to Genting Sempah on Monday morning.

You can start at 7.30am at HOA with PCC and Kevin Han + gang. PCC are going to Bentong (see above), Kevin + gang will be going up to Genting via Gohtong Jaya.

Alternatively you can start at 8.30am from Genting Sempah R&R Area.

1st Biathlon Championship 2008 @ JSKL

2008-05-12T11:46:00.000+08:00

Date:7 June 2008(Saturday)
Time:7.30am to 10.30am
Venue:JSKL West Pool & West Field Track Road
(Note:The event will be held in wet weather except in lightning and thunder situations)

Event:Biathlon(Swimming then running)
Race categories:Elementary school ,Junior school ,Senior school and adults.
Entry fee:Under junior high school RM3,Senior high school and adults RM 5.
Medals:Top 3 in individual and relay of each category.

Category A(Individual)
Elementary School Grade 1 & 2 (Boys& Girls)
Distance:50m Swim +500m Run
(Arm floats & Parents supervision permitted during the swim event in this category)

Category B(Individual)
Elementary School Grade 3 & 4 (Boys& Girls)
Distance:100m Swim +1km Run

Category C(Individual)
Elementary School Grade 5 & 6 (Boys& Girls)
Distance:200m Swim +1.5km Run

Category D(Individual/Relay)
Junior high School Grade 7 & 9 (Boys& Girls) + Adults
Distance:400m Swim +3km Run

Category E(Individual/Relay)
Senior high School Grade 10 & 12 (Boys& Girls) + Adults
Distance:750m Swim +5km Run

Application:By email please provide the following information by attachment:
1:Full name
2:Gender
3:Age
4:Grade
5:Category
6:Contact(prefer handphone)

Deadline:30 May(Friday)

Attention to :
1)inouetomoo@jskl.edu.my
2)iwata.takatoshi@jp.panasonic.com

Sunday PCC Ride

2008-05-08T17:02:00.000+08:00

Tar & Grime by Don ‘Fei Chai’ Chan

It's a PK special this weekend. It's 3rd day simulation of InterState 08. It's long. It's flat. It's tough. If you ain't dead at the end of it, you are ready for InterState as is. I'd advise keeping at or below 80% of max Heart Rate, keeping a good cadence (say, 90rpm) with moderately lighter gears. Don't push too hard too early on and keep a consistent pace you can maintain. Those who don't feel up to it, I'd advise taking the Options below. Newbies take Option 1. For the not-so-new yet not-so-old, please opt for Option 2. Those feeling funky, do the full loop and work the funk out of your system.

Sunday T&G Ride – Pain Killer (170km only)

Date: 11 May 2008

Time: 7.00am SHARP. Please check in ready-to-ride at least 15 min before start.

Meeting/Starting Place: CentrePoint BU (in front of BananaLeaf Restaurant)

Route: Center Point-Kota Damansara-Sg Buloh-Guthrie Corridor turnoff- Ijok (Regroup Petronas)-Batang Berjuntai-Tanjung Karang-Kuala Selangor (Regroup Petronas)-Batang Berjuntai-Ijok (Regroup Petronas)-Guthrie Corridor-Kg Subang-Kota Damansara-Tropicana-Center Point.

Distance: 170km+

Option 1: Turn Off at Gurthrie Corridor (45km return trip)

Option 2: U-turn at Ijok Petronas (81km return trip. Back to car by noon)

Your ride leader is PK aka PainKiller and you can foward any queries you may have to him at 016 -666 6110. Hope to see you this Sunday!

Triathlon Tips for Parents & Youth

2008-05-07T11:01:00.000+08:00

Today we’ll look at the second of three-part series on triathlon tips for parents and youth from ITU Sport Development Manager Alan Ley.

4. A good warm up prior to the swim start is a must. Be sure and put your face in the water and not just play. There are some great young pool swimmers but the cold open water with arms and legs thrashing is a new experience. Another little issue that occurs with kids is they go to a triathlon and it is the first time they have ever put on or swam with a swim cap on. Practice using a swim cap prior or the race.

5. As parents we have our young triathletes practice putting on there shoes and helmet with dry hands and feet. After exiting the swim they will be putting their shoes on with wet feet and buckling their helmet with cold wet fingers – so be sure and have them practice with wet feet and hands a few times.

6. The bike course can be scary with all the young triathletes on the course at the same time. Stay to the right side unless you are passing. If you stop, pull off on the right side of the road. Kids typically will go hard up the uphill but the slight downhill sections can cause speeds never before attempted. Stress control, caution and safety on the bike course. Better yet have them practice some controlled descents on easy grades.

Check back soon on triathlon.org for more Training Tips.

Another bike-hash success

2008-05-06T16:08:00.000+08:00

MALACCA: Malacca Mountain Bike Hash (MMBH), the country's first-ever biking cum hash club, made history by successfully staging the 4th Duathlon in Durian Tunggal recently.

A record 129 competitors from Malaysia and Singapore, as well some from Japan, France, Switzerland and Denmark, took part in the gruelling event to grab medals and challenge trophies besides RM2,020 in cash and other goodies.

The duathlon involved biking and a hash-styled run. The first stage of biking covered a 11km route. This was followed by a 5km run before winding up with another 11km pedal stint through hilly jungle terrain amidst river banks, swamps, dirt roads, rubber estates and plantations.

About 54 participants took part in the men’s singles event with Sabahan Shahrin Amir taking top honours clocking 1 hour 26 minutes 57 seconds.

In second spot was Kajang’s Zamzi Mohamad with a returning a time of 1 hour 33 minutes 15 seconds with Malacca’s Sangui Richard romping home with the third posting at 1 hour 36 minutes 17 seconds. Former 2003 and 2004 championship series winner Sim Seng Chai only managed 13th spot clocking 1 hour 45 minutes 11 seconds.

Ecstatic: Sharin, the winner of the men's singles event, celebrating after his win in Durian Tunggal recently.

Kuala Lumpur’s Nor Aliza Saledin and Noor Fadila Sabdin made it a one-two finish in the women’s singles event. Nor Aliza clocked 1 hour 57 minutes 5 seconds while her team mate crossed the finish line in 2 hours 2 minutes 48 seconds.

Malacca’s Lim Yeik Mei took third rung with a time of 2 hours 14 minutes while last year’s winner Tan Siew Peng from the home state only managed a fourth-placed finish with a time of 2 hours 21 minutes 58 seconds.

In the men’s team duo category, Johor competitors completed a fine sweep bagging the top three positions. Heading the cast was Mohd Razil Mohd Salleh and Mohd Zayyani Afnan Hasnan who posted a time of 1 hour 28 minutes 15 second.

The pair of Kohing Antak and Khailir Annuar came in a close second clocking 1 hour 28 minutes 51 seconds. In third place was the duo of Hamidon Sabino and Wira Yussof with a time of 1 hour 35 minutes 18 seconds.

Meanwhile, Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who was the guest of honor at the event, received much cheers when he announced a RM5,000 grant to MMBH. He later flagged off the duathlon.

According to MMBH Bike Master Regis Degen, a Swiss expatriate residing in Malacca, the club has grown to over 200 members from the initial 42 following its inauguration in late 2003.

Several local bicycle enterprises have also joined up with the group to offer invaluable technical support and sponsorship.

The MMBH meets every third Sunday of each month with a 25km to 35km bike-hash outing at a pre-determined route posted on its website.

Those interested in joining either for first-hand experience or as a full-fledged member can contact Regis at 012-611 1254.

2008 Guanzhou ASTC Triathlon Asian Championships 2008-05-02

2008-05-06T08:03:00.004+08:00

Kimbeley Yap finished 11th in the ASTC Asian Championships held in Guanzhou, China, on 2 May 2008.

Japan took home both the men’s and women’s gold medals. Ai Ueda won the women’s crown while Ryosuke Yamamoto took the men’s title in a stunning upset over Kazakh Daniil Sapunov. Both Ueda and Yamamoto earn automatic spots on the Japanese Olympic team as the event was a pre-determined Olympic qualifier by the Japanese Triathlon Union. Winning continental championships guarantees the country at least one spot on the Beijing start line.

Ai Ueda led a Japanese sweep in the women’s field of the 2008 Ueda crossed the line with a time of 2 hours 3 minutes and 18 seconds to claim her second elite Asian title and guarantees Japan at least one Olympic spot in Beijing.

“Being down by a minute was a big difference for me but I believed in my hard training and never gave up," said Ueda after the race.

It was a decisive win for Ueda who was more than a minute a head of Kiyomi Niwata who took silver. Juri Ide completed the podium sweep for Japan taking bronze, just nine seconds ahead of China’a Zhang Yi.

Ide, who wore the number one start number, emerged from the water first. After the swim, the first pack comprised of ten athletes that included Chinese Xing Lin, Yi, Teng Chunchun, Liu Yun, and Japanese Niwata, Akane Furutani, Keiko Tanaka, Ide along with Kimbeley Yap of Malaysia and Lee Hyun-Ju of Korea.

The Chinese team tried to escape on the bike but the Japanese women refused to let them go. Nine of the athletes moved to run segment except for Yap who had been dropped.

After transition, Ide lead the field, however, Niwata caught up and overtook Ide on the third lap. But it wasn’t long before Niwata was overtaken by compatriot Ueda who was behind by more than a minute at the end of bike segment. Ueda posted the fastest run of the day by more than a full two minutes to take the title.

2008 Guanzhou ASTC Triathlon Asian Championships
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Elite Women – Final Results

1 Ueda, Ai (JPN) 02:03:18
2 Niwata, Kiyomi (JPN) 02:04:26
3 Ide, Juri (JPN) 02:05:20

Click here for full results.

Sunday Road Ride

2008-04-25T12:22:00.000+08:00

Date: Sunday 27 April 2008

Time: 7:00 am sharp (please be there 15minutes beforehand)

Start/ End: CentrePoint carpark (in front of BananaLeaf Restaurant), Bandar Utama

Route:

Option 1: CP-Kota D'Sara-Sg Buloh-Ijok Petronas (regroup)-Btg Berjuntai-Sg. Tinggi (well, not quite-stop at fruit stall halfway to Sg Tinggi)-U-turn-Btg Berjuntai-Ijok (Petronas)-Guthrie Corridor-Kg Subang-Kota D'Sara-Tropicana-CP (100km);

Option 2: CP-Kota D'Sara-Sg Buloh-Ijok Petronas (regroup)- U-turn-Guthrie Corridor-Kg Subang-Kota D'Sara-Tropicana-CP (80km);

Option 3: CP-Kota D'Sara-Sg Buloh-Guthrie Corridor-Kg Subang-Kota D'Sara-Tropicana-CP (45km);

Ride description:

Warm up pace until Sg Buloh. Pace will pick up as we go past Guthrie Corridor exit. Some undulations as we're nearing Ijok. Moderate traffic along Sg Buloh and Kg Subang to Kota D'Sara, so please keep left as much as possible. Mostly flattish, expect 2 climbs in Guthrie C.

Always ride prepared for eventualities. Carry spare tubes, pump, some money and handphone in case you need to call for AAM. Most of all, please ride abiding our road rules, ride predictably and keep safe. See yuh Sunday ya!

If you have any questions about the ride, please foward them to our Ride Leader, PK (016-666 6110)

NO HELMET NO RIDE!

Ride & Run Alert - Sat 26 & Sun 27th April 2008

2008-04-25T12:19:00.000+08:00

Sam says: -

"Folks

We are heading to Bukit Tingi on Sat for a nice and steady hill climb and a nice breakfast in BT.

Meet at 0630 opposite True Fitness in Sri Hartamas or at the traffic lights in Gombak at the start of the old Genting road at 0710.

Please let me know if you plan to come along and where you intend to join the ride. Cheers.

Sam"

PS there is 30RM left over in the ‘breakfast kitty’ from last week’s ride.

Simon Says: -

"I'll be there probably cycling from Kajang so will meet you at the start of the old Genting road. Looking forward to breakfast.

Sunday morning is the Power Run 10k which I plan to do. Sam and Hayley however intend to do the usual Sri Hartama 21k - Wow choices.

Triathlon Tips for Parents & Youth

2008-04-22T20:24:00.000+08:00

As triathlon grows in popularity and as more kids begin to take up the sport, we start the first of a three-part series on triathlon tips for parents and youth.

1. Know the course and race distances. If at all possible train or visit the race course prior to the event. Make a point of knowing where the bike mount and dismount lines and the finish line. You can always push harder if you know the end is in sight!

2. Arrive early at the race site. There is already enough stress without having to hurry and rush. Get the race packet, body marked and set up the transition area. Make sure your area is free of clutter and your bike is in the proper gear. Know where your bike is located. All the bikes look the same after a swim and run.

3. Check and recheck your equipment. Sounds like common sense but there is not a transition area at a race where 30 percent of the bike tires are low or the chain is off. Take extra swim goggles, a clear water bottle (so you can quickly see how much fluid you have left) and warm clothes for after the race or swim warm up. Bring a pump, snacks and water or sports drink. Lastly, take extra safety pins and your race belt.

Shahrom 7th in Powerman Alabama

2008-04-15T17:08:00.002+08:00

Shahrom Abdullah finished 7th in Powerman Alabama. Click here for the official result by category, or here for overall. This message from Shahrom is taken from bola2api.blogspot.com...

Hi everyone!

Powerman Alabama, 8km 53km 8km, target top 5.
I get 7th overall only 2 pro start and age group start 1min behind.
1st run 28.20, bike 1:32.20, 2nd run 30.59, total 2:32.50.
full result at www.team-magic.com
Next week at Powerman Holland, target top 10.

Regards

Shahrom Abdullah

Kimbeley splashes to easy win

2008-04-15T17:03:00.000+08:00

MARANG: National triathlete Kimbeley Yap beat 196 competitors from Malaysia and abroad to emerge the overall winner of the Kapas-Marang International Swimathon 2008, organised by the Terengganu Tourism Action Council, here yesterday.

She also won the above 20 years category after finishing the 5.6km swim from Pulau Kapas to Pantai Kelulut in 1'27:23.

For her effort, she took home RM3,000 apart from other prizes provided by the sponsors.
Kohing Antak, also from Malaysia, won the men’s above-20 category after posting a time of 1'38:44s.

In the men’s 36-49 years category, Elmar Schuberth of Austria was first in1'28:14, Yap Yee Ming (Malaysia) second (1'36:04s) and Aley Tung (Singapore) third (1'42:50s). - Bernama

Triathletes need to train smart, says Ghafur

2008-04-15T17:01:00.001+08:00

MIRI: Local triathletes can make an impact in the three-event discipline at the international level if they are committed and systematic in their training.

Sarawak Triathlon Association president Datu Abdul Ghafur Shariff is confident with the right approach, the local talents can hold their own on the world stage.

“We want to produce more athletes like Kimberly Yap … and I believe we can with the focus being given to the development of our athletes,” he said after chairing a second meeting with the Sarawak International Triathlon 2008 committee here yesterday.

According to Ghafur, the event was aimed at exposing the local talents to competition against foreign athletes.

This year, Sarawak will field Daniel Bego (swimming), Syamsul Ali Hamdan (cycling) and Jenang Ungker (run) in the relay event, and Kimberly Yap, Ahmad Yoyo, Mohd Ghazali Hakiki, Jack Ho and Kershia Tan in the individual category.

Yap won two SEA Games gold medals in the triathlon individual category in 2005 and 2007.
Ghafur said a total of 300 athletes would be taking part this year compared to only 260 previously.

The event will be held on June 21 and 22 at Brighton Beach Miri with a total prize money of RM65,000.

“Athletes from Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, China, the United States, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia are expected to take part. So far, we have received 25 entries from Malaysia,” he said.

The competition is divided into International Triathlon and Sarawak Sprint. The categories are men’s open (16 to 29 years old), men’s (30 to 39), men’s (40 to 49) and men’s veteran (50 and above).

There are two categories for women - 16 to 34 and 35 and above.

The event involves two disciplines - the Sarawak International Triathlon (Olympic distance) and the Sprint Triathlon.

The Sarawak International Triathlon has three events — 1.5km swim (open sea), 40km cycling (road) and 10km running (road) — while the Sprint Triathlon involves 750m swim (open sea), 20km cycling (road) and 5km run (road running).

The entry fee is RM70 for the individual event, RM100 for the relay event, and RM40 for the sprint event. Entries close on June 9.

For details, call 082-440441 or 444926 (Miza) or fax 082-446360 (attention to Miza) or email to sukhamis@sarawaknetgov.my or hashim@sarawaknet.gov.my or log onto http://www.satria.triathlon.gov.my/

Enquiries can also be sent to Malaysian Triathlon Association, Kuala Lumpur — attention Chan Chee Seng 03-78055290; 03-92826633 or fax 03-92863033) — or made through 012-2959892; 019-2959892 or email to infor@triathlonmalaysia.com, or the secretariat (082-472537/472538), Liaw Boon Hua (016-8993433), Awang Hashim (019-8583520) and Social Development and Urbanisation Ministry (085-419624).

Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore – The Lion Roars into Year Two!

2008-04-09T08:27:00.001+08:00

The second edition of the acclaimed Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore triathlon is all set for some hot laps of Singapore on September 7th, and with the entry now open for individual entries, and there’s big news afoot for the event that was the first Ironman 70.3 race in Asia.

September is a big month in Singapore. It commences with the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore and it finishes with the world’s first ever Formula One Grand Prix, under lights!

So, in regard to triathlon, Singapore has gone all out in ‘08, with the Aviva Ironman 70.3 equalling the world’s best pay packet for pro athletes, with $50,000USD on offer to the elite field.

The best prize money in the world outside of the USA is sure to attract some stars and already defending champion, and Ironman Malaysia winner, Belinda Granger has booked her stay in Singapore for September!

Not lost on Belinda is the awesome similarity in conditions in Singapore, Kona and Florida!

Also a first for the new event is International television coverage with a deal inked to bring the race to a minimum of 160 countries worldwide.

For 2008 there’s a new swim course, revised bike course and changes to the run course all of which signal the intentions of Hi-Tri (Singapore), organisers of the Aviva Ironman 70.3 to go forward from the inaugural race, and aspiring to further improve the event for and even greater memories and a sensational experience for triathletes, local and international.

Backed by naming sponsor Aviva, the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore is looking to emulate the real Ironman experience in miniature. That’s half the distance, one third of the pain, but three times the enjoyment and in an action packed three-day program!

Race Course Refinements
Following lessons learned in year one, Race Director Graeme Hannan and Course Director, Jeffrey Foo have been hard at work.

The swim course has been physically shifted some kilometres closer to the CBD of Singapore itself and is situated in Singapore’s stunning east coast park lands, as an inshore ocean swim.

The ride will once again take competitors on a tour of ‘down town’ Singapore. It’s an absolutely unique view of one of the world’s major cities and gateway to Asia. And it is based on smooth tarmac, that means fast roads folks!

“The revised course presents participants with a great and doable challenge’, says Race Director, Graeme Hannan. “Course Director, Jeffrey Foo has been exploring some fantastic options with the local authorities and we hope soon to confirm and announce this revised course, which should prove fast, safe and ultra competitive.”

Meantime the run, currently based largely along the banks of the Singapore River, the Marina area, and in local parklands will also be revised to meld with the bike and swim locations while keeping the best assets of the 2007 inaugural event.

Already volunteer numbers and the event infrastructure look to surpass 2007 standards and the entry numbers are already approaching the halfway point of the field maximum, set at 1500.

All race information and secure online entry can be found at the comprehensive event site at /www.ironman703singapore.com.

A Great Program:
The Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore offers more than a great race in a spectacular location. There’s up to 26 weeks of training through the Aeromax International programs available to all as they enter the event to use where ever they live and this program is backed by many seminars, sessions and further programs in Singapore, to assist the local athletes.

Registration for the event is open now at /www.ironman703singapore.com; with race week registration opening Thursday before the event and closing Saturday morning.

A stunning and surprise Carbo party before the event, and a great presentation party are planned to follow the event and both are contained in the entry fee!

There’s also a unique Finisher’s medal, towel and a surprise event garment!

Triathlonphotos will cover the action, Power Bar will fuel the participants and many local and international sponsors and others will form a great Expo for pre-race perusal too.

Detailed information and an extensive FAQ of race facts is all assembled in the event website at www.ironman703singapore.com together with some great accommodation deals that range from six star luxury in the Ritz Carlton Singapore through to good three star comfort in a range of properties...

Making It Real – The Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Goes To Market:

Continuing from an innovative marketing program for the event in 2007, the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore this year once again features local athletes. Our swimmer for 2008 is Jong Thai Yann, known as Jong, our cyclist is Shem Leong, known as Shem and our runner is the determined Elvia Suryadi.

Despite shifting the swim, changing the cycle and revising the run, the new and improved course is still centred on the CBD of the sensational city of Singapore and our intrepid trio – the faces of the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore have joined with many of the local Singaporean athletes in currently tracking our course crew as we develop the exciting changes for the 2008 event!

The creative revolves around these three athletes, who are also featured in conjunction with three of Singapore’s most iconic landscapes.

Each pre-race newsletter features one of these athletes and the icon they are pictured with. You can sign on for the newsletter through the official website.

Eat, Drink And Be Merry
Singapore is famous for its cleanliness, safety, sensational shopping and the even more sensational food; representing pretty much anywhere in the world – which is good, because in 2007 representatives from some 50 countries raced here!!

A great tourism destination, there’s plenty to do after competition – so come for the race, stay for the holiday!

We wish you safe training, and hope to see you in Singapore

The Hi-Tri (Singapore) Team

SAAB City Dutahlon 2008

2008-04-07T12:07:00.002+08:00

Registration for the SAAB City Duathlon 2008 (Singapore) is now open! This event will be held on 8 June 2008.

PCC Ride - Batu Arang - 6 April

2008-04-04T11:39:00.001+08:00

Let’s do the whole 9 yards to Coal Stone this weekend! Especially all AAM members (in case you puncture and I don't mean your tubes) and fit and seasoned riders. Route is rolling with only some pimples around Batu Arang and Guthrie Corridor. Traffic will be moderate mostly, heavy only in Sg Buloh. Expect to be back no earlier than noon. We don’t want too short a pleasure, right? New riders and those needing to be back early are recommended not to go anywhere near Coal Stone. Take Option 1. Or Option 2.

Sunday Road Ride – Ride to Coal Stone (110km)

Date: 6 April 08 Sunday

Time: 7:00am sharp (please be there by 6:45am as train will leave on schedule)

Start/ End: Centre Point, Bandar Utama

Route: CentrePoint- Kota Damansara- Sg. Buloh- Ijok (1st Regroup)- Btg Berjuntai- Batu Arang (R&R)- Guthrie Corridor- Kg Subang-Kota Damansara- Tropicana-CentrePoint. (110km)

Option 1: 45km- Turn off at Guthrie Corridor (via Guthrie Corridor-Kg Subang-Kota D'Sara-Tropicana- CP)
Option 2: 80km - U-turn back at Ijok Petronas Station (via Guthrie Corridor-Kg Subang-Kota D'Sara-Tropicana- CP)

This ride will help build up your endurance and leg speed. Suggest riding at higher cadence with lighter gears. Bring spare tubes, pump, muesli bars and sufficient hydration. Sun block and hydrating salts is recommended.

If you have further queries, please direct them to our Ride Leader, PK (016-666 6110). See you guys and dolls this Sunday!

NO HELMET NO RIDE!

Kimbeley a step closer to Olympics

2008-04-03T13:20:00.000+08:00

Top triathlete Kimbeley Yap brightened her hopes of making it to the Olympics with an impressive sixth-placed finish in the ITU Asian Cup in Chonburi on Sunday.

Kimbeley, competing in the elite women’s category, was fourth after the 1.5km swim leg.

She continued to stay within sight of the leaders to end her first major assignment for the year in 2’03:45.

Besides the swim leg, a triathlete also has to cycle 40km and run 10km.

Considering that Kimbeley clocked 2’12:14 en route to retaining her SEA Games title in Korat last year, the 23-year-old surely has good reasons to be pleased with her season-best performance.

“The course was slightly different because we were swimming downstream and finishing faster. But they made it up with a little bit longer bike and run routes.

“Nevertheless, I’m very happy with my time because I finished ahead of the Kazakhstan and Hong Kong competitors, who are also fighting for the extra Asian slot for the Olympics,” said the former national swimmer, whose half-brother Daniel Bego has already qualified for the swimming competition in the Beijing Olympics in August.

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) will award one place to the highest ranked Asian, whose country has yet to earn a quota spot in the Olympics.

Kimbeley, who had a month-long training stint in Sydney earlier in the year, also achieved her target of finishing within eight per cent of the winning time in the Asian Cup.

Rosie Clarke of Britain won the race ahead of two Japanese competitors in 2’00:26.

Kimbeley should know whether she will be the first Malaysian to take part in the triathlon competition in the Olympics by July.

Her next assignment is the Asian Championships in Guangzhou in May.

Transition Tips: part 4 of 4

2008-03-26T11:54:00.000+08:00

Transition Tips: part 4 of 4 (March 24, 2008 )

Today is the final in our four-part series on transition tips from ITU Sport Development Manager Alan Ley:

Triathletes are the best at practicing running drills, swimming skills and cycling mile after mile to gain a few seconds of speed and efficiency. But the swim to bike (T-1) or bike to run (T-2) transitions are usually neglected until race morning. By following a few simple tips and practicing transitions prior to race morning triathletes can reduce their stress and anxiety and see a reduction in their finishing times without adding a single interval to their training.

TRANSITION TIPS Part 4:
11. The first thing you need to think about after leaving the T-1 is to get away from the confusion of the crowd, get settled in and relaxed. Then hydration and nutrition.
12. The first thing you need to think about after leaving T-2 is form, form, form.
13. Know where the mount and dismount lines/areas are.

Check back soon on triathlon.org for more Training Tips.

Click here to read part 1 on Transition Tips

Click here to read part 2 on Transition Tips

Click here to read part 3 on Transition Tips

Click here for videos and more training tips

Before coming to ITU as Sport Development Manager, Alan Ley was Coaching Education Manager for USA Triathlon. Alan was trained at the USOC Coaching College, certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and American Council of Exercise and is currently a Level 3 Elite Triathlon Coach. He holds degrees in exercise science and hospital administration.

RIDE & RUN ALERT - 22nd & 23rd March 2008

2008-03-21T12:57:00.000+08:00

With Sam away it has been left to me to arrange the ride on Saturday (with the help of KK I believe). The plan is Hulu Langat to the Dam coffee shop and back with the Genting Peres hill (9km) thrown is as a bit of a time trial.

Meet at the traffic lights by the police station in Hulu Langat at 7:15, the mosque at Batu 14 at 7:30-35. Round trip will be 120k from Damanasara or Kajang.

KK will organise the meeting point for the Damansara crowd and we will plan to converge at Hulu Langat at 7:15.

Sunday morning run will be the same as usual, 6:15 start at Bukut Aman carpark. Run to and then around the Petronas petrol station in Sri Hartamas and then back to Bukit Aman - round trip 21k. Anyone that wants to do more in preperation for the KL Marathon are welcome but that's my limit for the timebeing.

Ironman Malaysia Champions recap their day

2008-03-17T12:59:00.001+08:00

While Faris Al-Sultan's 30-minute-plus victory at Ironman Malaysia appeared easy, nothing could be further from the truth. "In Kona you can't have a bad second on the run, but here I had some bad kms," he said minutes after finishing the race. "Heat-wise this was very tough. It was hard."

After a tough 2007 season that saw the 2005 Ford Ironman Champion struggle at the Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship in his home country before missing Kona completely thanks to a virus, Al-Sultan felt some pressure going into the Malaysian event. “I could only lose,” he said. “Now that I won, of course everyone will say that I was supposed to win as an ex-Hawaii champion. On the other hand, if I hadn’t won, they would have said 'He’s done.' So I’m very happy that I can get some confidence back. I know that if my training is right, I still belong with the best.”

Despite the huge gap between Al-Sultan and his competition at the finish line, the German didn't want the race to be close going into the run. On two other occassions he'd been run down by Petr Vabrousek, and he didn't want to allow that to happen again.

“I wanted to put some distance to my opponents on the bike. I know that Petr is very solid. The last two races I wasn’t in 100 per cent shape – in Frankfurt in ’07 and in South Africa in ’06 – both times he caught me on the run. I didn’t want that to happen again.

“I was really happy that Mathieu (O'Halloran) did the pace in the water, so I didn’t have to do it. It was reasonably fast, but not too fast. On the bike I tried to go one gear lower than I could, just to make sure I didn’t kill myself on the bike.”

Al-Sultan certainly didn't “kill” himself on the ride, increasing his lead during the marathon to claim the Ironman Malaysia title with ease. Now comes a big rest before building up for the race in Frankfurt. Then, of course, there's Hawaii. The last time Al-Sultan won an early season Ironman, he went on to claim the Ford Ironman World Championship title. Is this his year to repeat that feat?

Granger guts it out
In 2003, with a solid lead off the bike, Belinda Granger faltered during the marathon and was passed by Gillian Baker. Determined not to repeat that experience this year, the Australian ran a gutsy marathon in Malaysia this year to hold off Yvonne van Vlerken for the title.

“The last three kilometers I was making all kinds of noises,” Granger said shortly after her win. “If you were near me you’d have thought I was dying. I’m a lot more experienced than I was in 2003. I’d only been doing the sport for three years then, now I’ve been doing it forever. I’m a bit wiser and I have a bit more patience.

“Even though I really pushed myself on the bike, I felt like I was within myself the whole way, which made a big difference for the marathon.”

This isn't the first time Granger has managed to hold off a strong runner during the marathon. Two years ago Granger used the same strategy to beat Lisa Bentley at Ironman Canada – at the suggestion of her coach, Brett Sutton.

“That’s exactly what he told me to do in Canada two years ago,” Granger said. “Get a lead off the bike, but don’t go out too crazy in the marathon and just make them work – so every time they look at their watch they’ve only made up 30 seconds, or they’ve only made up a minute, so it really starts getting demoralizing and they end up blowing up. It happened with Lisa and it happened with Yvonne. It’s a strategy that works. I’m never going to be a three-hour marathon runner, so I have to think of other ways of making sure that other girls don’t catch me.”

After losing to van Vlerken at an Ironman distance event in Germany last year, Granger was thrilled to claim the victory in Malaysia.

“I think it was really important for me to get this win over Yvonne,” said the Australian. “She really did make Jo (Lawn) and I look pretty ordinary in Germany last year. I knew that this race was going to suit me rather than Yvonne.”

Granger will use this win to help her better prepare both physically and mentally for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona this year.

“My biggest downfall is that I lack confidence when it comes to running off the bike. In Kona every year the women are really close and I let my mind get the better of me. A win here under such conditions going to Kona ... there’s just no excuse. As my husband Justin said, a win here today means there’s no reason I can’t run a good marathon in Kona.”

You can reach Kevin Mackinnon at kevin@ironman.com.

More money for Mukah Beach Triathlon

2008-03-17T11:48:00.000+08:00

Paul (seated centre) flanked by Shafrie and Khairul Nizam and others at the meeting held at Dewan Suarah Mesra Mukah yesterday.

By Henry Siyu

MUKAH: A bigger cash prize money is up for grabs in the Mukah Beach Triathlon 2008 which will be held here on April 19.

According to the Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation (KPSU) sports assistant secretary, Paul Kawin Pipo, this time around the prize money totalled RM9,140 compared to RM8,000 last year.

“This year the total prize money is bigger compared to RM8,000 last year.

The event is divided into eight categories - men’s 16-22 years, men’s 23-39, men’s 40-49, men’s 50 years and above, ladies 16-34 years, ladies 35 years and above, teams relay (men) and team relay(mixed),” he told reporters at the meeting held at Dewan Suarah Mesra Mukah yesterday.
If there are less than five participants in one age group, they will join the next lower age group.
The event includes 750m swimming (crossing Batang Mukah), 20Km road cycling and 5Km running.

The closing date of the event held in conjunction with Mukah Kaul Festival is April 7. The entry fee is RM25 for individual events and RM45 for relay events.

The main venue (start/end or transition area) is the Mukah Old Town parking bay and the triathlon will begin at 7.30am with the arrival of the participants.

The arrival of the guests of honour and the flag-off will be at 8.30am followed with the prize presentation ceremony at 10.45am.

“The guest of honour is yet to be known and we hope to get more participants this year. It was said that last year the number of participant was not up to expectation because some of them preferred the event to include swimming which was scrapped due to unfavourable condition (wet season),” Paul said.

Those interested can call the secretariat at 082-444926/440441(Miza), Timothy Dominic Atong (084-873802/013-8288515), Satar Smawi (084-805689/019-4683493) or Joe Frazer Sawed (084-330726/019-8875163).

The event is jointly organised by Sarawak Triathlon Association and Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation Sarawak(Meanwhile, professional triathletes are not allowed to join this event.

Among those present at the meeting yesterday were the event coordinator, KPSU Sports Officer, Awang Hashim Haji Awang Bujang, Khairul Nizam Morshidi who represented Mukah Resident, Shafrie Saili who represented Mukah District Officer, Mukah Youth Camp principal, Satar Smawi, Mukah KPSU officer-in-charge, Timothy Dominic Atong, Dewan Suarah Mesra Manager, Haji Awang Adeni Haji Awang Mahsen and Royston Valentine from Mukah Youth And Sports Department.

Jaelsports

2008-03-15T12:58:00.002+08:00

Introducing Jaelsports, who are, according to their website, the first multisports company in Malaysia specialising in training camps and personal coaching.

Their first training camp will be held in Putrajaya on 27-8 April 2008. Visit their website for further details.

Ironman China 2008 Preview Video

2008-03-15T08:39:00.001+08:00

Kimbeley aims to do well in Asian Cup to win Olympic wild card

2008-03-13T12:48:00.000+08:00

By LIM TEIK HUAT of THE STAR

KUALA LUMPUR: It is better late than never but triathlete Kimbeley Yap is hoping to join her stepbrother, swimmer Daniel Bego, in making a first appearance in the Olympics in August.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) have applied for a wild card for the two-time SEA Games champion but whether it is accepted by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) will very much depend on the results of the Asian Cup in Chiangrai at the end of the month.

The race on March 30 will be Kimbeley's first major assignment for the year and she has to prove her worth to be the wild card entry for Asia.

The 23-year-old Kimbeley, who just returned home from a month-long training stint in Sydney, hopes to finish within eight per cent of the winning time in the Asian Cup.

“That will give me ranking points. Due to my current position, I would prefer the option of going to the Beijing Games on a wild card. This would allow me time to prepare better before the competition in August,” she said.

Kimbeley: The 23-year-old hopes to be the first Malaysian triathlete to compete in the Olympic Games.

“If I were to try to qualify on merit, I would need to do six international races in the next three months. It would be too exhausting for me.”

Kimbeley's current situation is due to the fact that she only picked up triathlon in 2005 and needed time to establish herself first before starting to go out for more overseas competitions.

Kimbeley was a national swimmer and won two SEA Games bronze medals before she switched to competing in triathlon (1.5km swimming, 40km cycling and 10km running).

“The Olympic qualification period began in 2005. I was still doing local races and it was only from last year that I went out for top races on the international circuit.

“No Malaysian has competed in the Olympic triathlon and I certainly hope to be the first,” she added.

Last December in Pattaya, Kimbeley successfully defended the SEA Games title she won in Manila in 2005.

Bianchi B2

2008-03-12T11:12:00.001+08:00

Transition Tips: part 3 of 4

2008-03-11T12:55:00.001+08:00

Part three in our four-part series on transition tips from ITU Sport Development Manager Alan Ley:

Triathletes are the best at practicing running drills, swimming skills and cycling mile after mile to gain a few seconds of speed and efficiency. But the swim to bike (T-1) or bike to run (T-2) transitions are usually neglected until race morning. By following a few simple tips and practicing transitions prior to race morning triathletes can reduce their stress and anxiety and see a reduction in their finishing times without adding a single interval to their training.

TRANSITION TIPS Part 3:

8. Place your glasses in your helmet with the straps on the outside of the helmet.

9. If you use Bodyglide or a lubricant to help with wetsuit entry be careful not to get it on your fingers and then touch your swim goggles.

10. Your first transition begins about a minute before you exit the water. Start thinking where your bike is racked and how methodical and relaxed you will be during the transition.

Check back soon for part four in our series on Transition Tips

Click here to read part 1 on Transition Tips

Click here to read part 2 on Transition Tips

Click here for videos and more training tips

Kona for Carmen

2008-03-11T12:29:00.003+08:00

By NG WEI LOON of THE STAR

AFTER witnessing the Langkawi Ironman on three previous occasions as a spectator, nurse Carmen Leong sprung a surprise beyond her wildest dream in her debut at this season's race that concluded on Feb 23.

The 39-year-old emerged as the top Malaysian women finisher to clinch the third spot in the women's 35-39 years category with a time of 12'39:09 in the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run course.

Stretch: Leong warming up for her training session.

For Leong, the icing on the cake was securing her berth to compete against more illustrious triathletes at the Ford Ironman World Championships scheduled in Kona, Hawaii on October 11.

Leong said her achievement was a dream come true.

“I am delighted that I have done well in such a short period as Langkawi was my second Ironman race. I heard about the prominent event in Hawaii from my training buddies. Getting a chance to feature in a high profiled race is such a rare privilege. I paid RM1,800 when I signed up to confirm my entry,” she added.

Going into the race at Langkawi, the rookie did not set any specific target. Leong revealed she was on cloud nine when she surpassed her closest Malaysian rival, Wendy Wong, mid-way through the final discipline.

“I was so happy when I overtook her because I knew that I have grabbed the top Malaysian women's spot,” said Leong, who holds a personal best of 4'04 in the marathon.

Despite coming out of the water with an eight-minute advantage against Wong, Wong proved to be a more accomplished cyclist.

Wong closed down and stretched her lead when she was almost 25 minutes faster than Leong on the saddle.

“Besides the scorching weather, I found it tough going on the bicycle. It was challenging to cope with the hilly terrain as well as the headwind. I felt the strain on my back after the first 60km on the bike. I reckon it was due to my bike's setting because I changed the handlebar prior to the race,” said Leong.

Fortunately, she felt fresh after the cycling to mount a comeback on the final running leg. It was also her maiden triumph over Malaysia's top ranked women triathlete Dr. Fiona Lim, who is considered a more established competitor.

“Honestly, I have been trailing her over the years. It was the first time I finished ahead of her ,” added Leong.

Although she registered a slower time compared to her first Ironman feat at the Ironman Western Australia Triathlon in Bussselton, Australia in December, her training partner Sam Pritchard said they anticipated it because of the demanding conditions in Langkawi.

In her first appearance tackling the full Ironman distance in Australia, she crossed the finish line in 12'30.

“It was not surprising that she came slower because Langkawi is regarded as one of the top three most difficult courses in the world. The two other venues are Kona (Hawaii) and Lanzrote (Spain),” added Pritchard, who is a retired Englishman residing here for the past eight years.

After the outing in Busselton, the duo only started training in late January for the event in Langkawi.

“I am confident that I can still improve on my performance especially in the swim and cycle. I have not reached my peak yet,” said Leong, adding that running has always been her forte.

She aims to reduce her personal best by another 15 minutes to 12'15.

At the moment, Leong will recuperate after her fruitful outing in Langkawi for the next three months.

During her recovery period, she will only engage in light workouts.

“Currently, we are sourcing funds for her to compete in Hawaii. It will cost about RM10,000 for her to realise her dream to race against the best in the world. We will make sure that she gets to the starting line. Serious training will only start in June. We will draw up a structured endurance-training programme for 15 weeks and she has to chalk up between 12 and 15 hours a week as a build up to the world meet,” said Pritchard, who has also submitted his entry into the lottery draw to secure a place for the race in Hawaii.

Way2Ride King of the Mountain 2008

2008-03-11T11:14:00.001+08:00

Dear Cyclists,

We are very delighted to announce that the 3rd W2R King of the Mountain will be held on 13th April 2008. You have one month to train, and many attractive prizes and goodies to be won!

We have very good response from Polar, Powerbar and 100 Plus to sponsor the event. More exciting, Polar just confirmed to offer 3 Polar watches and some goodies which the sponsorship worth more than RM4,000.

This year, we will make sure to bring more fun and attractive prizes. The race is just 15km, for more info please log on to www.way2ride.com

The registration is open from 13 Mac - 10 Apr 2008. More details coming up before this weekend as we need to work on PowerBar and 100Plus regarding their sponsorship.

We hope to see you there, this is important to impress the sponsors so that they will continue their support in our local cycling race.

Regards;

w2r race committee

UPNM Triathlon Clinic & Kids Sprint Triathlon

2008-03-10T08:07:00.005+08:00

5-6 April 2008 at UPNM, Sungai Besi. Click the image to enlarge.

Sprint Distance is 50m-2km-500m. Click here to see the location on streetdirectory.com.

More details to follow.

A'Famosa 2008 Registration

2008-03-06T15:51:00.002+08:00

Now that Ironman Malaysia 2008 is in the history books - time to look forward to the upcoming season of Olympic distance races...

The A'Famosa Triathlon 2008 (10-11 May) is open for online registration here!

Roasted Chicken In Malaysia

2008-03-05T07:56:00.003+08:00

Pro Athlete Hillary Biscay's Ironman Malaysia 2008 story -

For years I have heard stories about the epic ironman race in Langkawi, Malaysia. These horror stories of Ironman Malaysia generally include anecdotes about suffering and challenges of a more unique and extreme nature than those of most Hawaii Ironman tales. After hearing enough such accounts, I decided that I needed to experience the sea lice, oppressive heat and humidity, dehydration, blisters, and errant monkeys and mopeds for myself this year.

It was, in fact, everyone’s war stories from this race that made put it on my must-do list…After all, the appeal of our sport lies in its inherently challenging nature, so Malaysia sounded like the ultimate experience: an ironman with bonus challenges. I didn’t bother to explain this concept to the local triathletes who I met at registration; they asked where I was from, and when I told them, one man replied, “On Saturday you will know our weather. You will be like roasted chicken!” “That’s why I’m here, mate,” I thought–but figured that might be a strange concept to explain . . . It’s what I call “getting my money’s worth,” or “getting the full ironman experience.”

Roasted chicken indeed. The heat and humidity during the last few hours of the bike and first half of the run were some of the most extreme I have experienced in a race. We did get some cloud cover for the last half of the run, so to be fair, I think we could have had the opportunity for an even more thorough test. But last Saturday was a sufficiently valuable challenge for me for this year.

The swim was just the way I like it: no wetsuit! What I didn’t like was some bloke sitting on my feet for the entire 3.8 kilometers, whilst tapping them periodically, yet not attempting to go around me. After checking at halfway to see if he was my teammate Luke (who has been known to enjoy a free ride in the past, but was actually a buoy ahead last weekend!), I realized that I didn’t know this guy, and thus that I couldn’t trust him enough to just flip over and make him take the lead. So I just pushed on . . . My ORCA RS1 speed suit served me well, and I emerged from the ocean a few minutes ahead of the other women.

I set out on the bike to heed the advice of veterans of this race, like my best mate and training partner, Belinda Granger. She said this was not a race to be “raced,” and I wasn’t about to assume that I knew better or that I could beat this race. So I rode out of town over the hills conservatively and then through the first of the three loops the same way. It was on this first loop that I became acquainted with some of this bike course’s unique challenges, as I occasionally found water buffaloes and monkeys crossing the road in front of me. But they were the least of my worries: most of the course was open to traffic, which, unlike other courses that might be partially open, means that we essentially had to fend for ourselves amongst cars, mopeds, bicycles, and traveling food stands that may or may not have chosen to travel on their designated lanes of the road. On the second lap, I actually had to stop and unclip, then beg my way through cars in a traffic jam that had taken up all of the lanes of the turnaround intersection; that was definitely a new iron man experience. Now back to the riding…I cruised through lap 1, and then picked it up a bit on lap 2, as I felt surprisingly strong and felt that I could maintain a decent “comfortably uncomfortable” pace.

During the last 60 kilometers of the ride, I gained an understanding of what people mean when they claim not to be able to get their nutrition down. I’d felt pretty sick at various times in the 24 ironmans that preceded this one; but knowing that caloric intake is essential to maintaining strength throughout a race of this duration, I always shoved the calories down, no matter how unappetizing. This time it seemed that every time I took in calories, they immediately returned to my throat, and I felt worse than when they went in. I am not sure if it was the heat affecting my body or making my drink go rotten, but in any case, it was the most sick I have been in one of these races; I backed off the pace, lost time, and did not do a good job for setting myself up for the run, as I took in about half of the total calories I should have on the bike. I finished the ride in third, as Belinda and Yvonne had both come flying past me during the first half of the bike.

Yes, I was becoming acquainted with Langkawi’s weather. My first of the four run laps was a very weak jog marked by vivid fantasies of cold water, which I would get to fulfill all too briefly each time I hit an aid station, had a drink, and grabbed cold sponges. This race provided a fantastic opportunity to practice one of my favorite ironman tactics, which I call “fake it til you make it”: I did my best to smile when I saw someone I knew and encourage my teammates when we crossed paths. Unfortunately, in this race, the only thing I place I was “making it” to was the finish line . . . Actually, I believe this strategy is foolproof, and I did feel progressively stronger as the run went along, but I could not hold off the Japanese girl coming from behind. The roasted chicken herself ended up in fourth place, having found what she came for: lots of “bonus challenges,” resulting in bonus pain and suffering. I would have liked that pain and suffering to have yielded me a podium finish, but instead it earned me a reminder of how much work I have to do before October 11^th. That would have to be good enough.

The real highlight of the day was seeing Belinda take a very hard-earned and validating victory. I never cease to be inspired by the sort of dedication and discipline she employs in her daily pursuit to become a better athlete; besides her being my best friend and training partner, Belinda’s example reminds me of the many little things that I could be doing better in my own preparation . . . And we are now back to preparation here in the Philippines. Next up: Ironman Arizona.

I would like to thank my sponsors for their support: SplitsFiftyNine, Team TBB, ORCA wetsuits, Newton Running Company, Cervelo, HED, and Powerbar.

STAYING FIT AND FABULOUS: A winning attitude

2008-03-05T07:51:00.000+08:00

Dr Lim always makes time for her daily exercise.

Dentist Dr Fiona Lim looks forward to her daily exercise routine because ‘it makes her feel good’. SU AZIZ writes.

HAVING been a triathlete for almost a decade, 37-year-old Dr Fiona Lim is no stranger to staying fit although she admits that she is “far from fabulous!”

This dentist and dog lover who lives in Kota Kinabalu trains around 12-15 hours a week to prepare herself for triathlon competitions.
Initimidating? Definitely. But Fiona is as down to earth as they come. Really!

Q: Describe your daily activities.
A: I wake up at 4.30am to work out for one to two hours. Then I am off to work at the clinic from 8am to 5pm.
Q: Why is staying fit important to you?
A: It makes me feel good!

Q: What keeps you motivated to keep fit?
A: Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t always fit. Now that I have a healthy lifestyle, I always remind myself that ‘I didn’t go so far forward to go backwards’.

Q: Describe your workout regime.
A: I rotate swimming, cycling, running and gym workouts to fit in the morning sessions. In the evening, after work, I enjoy taking my dogs for walks in the garden.

Q: Do you have a special diet?
A: No. I eat a lot of simple food such as fruits and vegetables. I hardly eat meat or processed food.

Q: What are some of the obstacles that deter you from working out?
A: Absolutely nothing. I always make time for it.

Q: Are there periods where you relapse? How do you get back into it?
A: I hardly fall back on my exercises. It is already my lifestyle and I look forward to it every single day.

Q: How do you maintain your weight?
A: Simple! Just by eating the right food and in moderation.

Q: Have you always maintained a healthy lifestyle or was it circumstances that led you to adopt it?
A: No, I haven’t always been healthy. I was pretty much a couch potato until I was 28 years old. Then one day, I just decided I wanted a positive change in myself.

Q: Do you keep fit for personal and health reasons?
A: Sports is my passion. I simply enjoy triathlon as a hobby.

Q: As you grow older, do you think it is more important now to look after your health?
A: Of course. There is a saying that ‘you don’t stop playing when you grow old but you will grow old when you stop playing’.

RM65,000 up for grabs

2008-03-03T10:41:00.000+08:00

By Norni Mahadi

MIRI: The 10th Sarawak International Triathlon scheduled from June 21 to 22 this year at Brighston Beach offers a total of cash prizes worth RM65,000.

Organising Committee Chairman, Awang Hashim said the participants will compete in four categories namely Olympic distance, men and mixed relay, sprint triathlon and Sarawak Close Olympic distance which is open to 16 to 50 years of age and above.

For this year he added, the organising committee expected more than 300 participants compared to 216 participants last year.

Those interested can obtain the entry forms and further details from the organisers in Kuching, Miri and Kuala Lumpur.

In Kuching, interested may contact Awang at 019-8583520 or Liaw Boon Hua at 016-8993433 from the Sarawak Triathlon Association (SATRIA) and the Ministry of the Social Development and Urbanisations (KPSU).

In Northern region, they can contact Robert Anyie at 019-8150264 or 085-419624, while in West Malaysia they can call Chan Chee Seng from Malaysian Triathlon Association (TRIAM) at 03-78055290 or 012-2959892.

Entrance fees for individual is at RM70 per person, while the fee for relay and sprint event is RM100 and RM40 respectively.

The entry closes on the June 9.

Meanwhile, the event is jointly organised by Sarawak Triathlon Association and the Ministry of the Social Development and Urbanisations of Sarawak.

Bike like Normann and Faris, or at least train like them

2008-03-01T16:12:00.000+08:00

Top pros share some of their favorite hammer sessions

By Matt Fizgerald

Feb. 21, 2008 -- What makes pro triathletes like Normann Stadler and Belinda Granger so strong on the bike? Obviously, natural talent is part of the equation. But even these genetic lottery winners wouldn’t be able to crank out such stunning bike splits if they didn’t train effectively.

You can’t borrow the pros’ genes, but you can take a page from their training logs. With this idea in mind, we asked five of the strongest cyclists in triathlon to share one or two of their favorite workouts. While not all age groupers will benefit from doing these workouts precisely as the pros do them, every athlete can gain by adapting these sessions to suit his or her unique goals.

Faris Al-Sultan (GER)

Strength-booster: “If there are no mountains around, put on the hardest gear you have and push for a certain time. At the beginning of the season, do 3 x 8 minutes. Build up to 3 x 30 minutes at the end of the season. Spin easy for five to 10 minutes between intervals, and maintain a high cadence between intervals. Stay in the saddle, or even better, in the aero position.”

Ultra-long ride: “Don't think about swimming or running for one day. Take a day and just ride your bike easy but long—up to 300km (186 miles). Take enough money and bars and gels with you.”

Belinda Granger (AUS)

Strength-endurance session: “This session was suggested to me by mountain biker extraordinaire Paul Rowney. It’s basically a strength-endurance hill repeat session with a 20-minute time trial to finish. After an easy 25km (15.5-mile) warm-up ride to the base of the climb I am ready to perform six hill repeats in descending gears, each climb under seven minutes with a recovery spin back down the hill after each climb.

I begin in the 53-23 and then perform two in the 53-21, two in the 53-19 and the last one in the 53-17. All are done seated, and every other work interval is done in the aero position. After completion of the last ascent I go straight into 20 minutes of time trailing on the flats. Once I am back to my starting point, I spin 25km back home.

I like this session because it really, really hurts, and let’s face it, we triathletes love to hurt ourselves. I also think it makes you incredibly strong.”

Michellie Jones (AUS)

Tough trainer set: “The trainer is very time-efficient. In one hour you can get a great workout that would take a lot more time to duplicate on the road. I love doing 5 x 5 minutes with 5 minutes’ rest between efforts. You can modify this workout for Olympic-distance races by making sure each effort is close to 80 to 85 percent of your max heart rate. Or, for Ironman training, you can do these efforts between 65 to 70 percent of you max heart rate. Warm up and cool down for 10 to 20 minutes, so your total workout is between 65 and 85 minutes.”

Normann Stadler (GER)

Ironman-distance hammer: “My main workout every week during the season is a 180km (112-mile) ride. During the ride there is no talking, just hard riding. The average is about 36 to 37km per hour (22 to 23 mph) on a not-easy course. It’s like the group ride in San Diego every Wednesday. I only stop quickly for a drink, and that’s it. The main reason I am good on the bike is that I love pushing hard and feeling the pain (and seeing other guys suffering)!”

Emma Snowsill (AUS)

80km negative-split ride: “Ride 20km easy, 20km at a moderate pace, 20km at a moderately hard pace and 20km hard. I use this session more in the off-season. It is good on the days when you are feeling tired and do not feel like being a slave to the stopwatch. This session should be done by feel and teaches you to pace yourself. It is good for building strength also.”

Ironman Malaysia 2008 Video

2008-02-28T17:28:00.000+08:00

Anticipation was mounting for first timers and others alike as they were prepared even before the sunrise at the river bank near Dataran Lang. Differed by age, 700 participants from 38 countries were afloat at the first signal at 7.30am, getting ready for their first round of the triathlon -- swimming 3.8km. The race officially started at 7.45am.

Mathieu Ohalloran, 22, from Canada was leading in the swim, which gave him the upper hand to bike. Following behind him in less than an hour was Faris Al Sultan, 30, from Denmark. In the women's category Hillary Biscay, 29, from USA was in the lead and this is her first time here to compete in Langkawi. Second place in the swimming competition was Elmar Schuberth from Austria.

However the final result, exclaimed by the energetic emcee, Whit Raymond was different. Faris Al Sultan is now officially the champ and Ironman of Langkawi Ironman Triathlon 2008. He was amazingly an hour and 50 minutes ahead of the initial targeted time. He reached at 8 hours 34 minutes and 41 seconds.

The Ironman in the women's category for this year also differed despite Hillary's lead. Australia born 37 year old Belinda Granger stole the title as she crossed the finish line at 9 hours 29 minutes and 20 seconds with a big grin. She has won many triathlons, among them are at Quelle Wanaka New Zealand and Ironman Singapore.

"I'm very thrilled that I won as I was not in the lead from the beginning," said Belinda during a short 'interrogation' by Whit.

Faris on the other hand said he won because he is a pro. He is indeed a professional triathlete and the winner of the recent Ironman Triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

His win today allows him to compete in Kona, Hawaii.

As the crowd keep pouring in at Dataran Lang to view this spectacular event, the organisers, contestants and others alike are eagerly waiting for all of the other contestants to complete their race. The race is expected to end after midnight. It will be all massages and good rest for those who have already made it to the finish line.

This adrenalin pumping event is proudly brought to you by LIEM, the organisers and supported by Kedah State Government.

Transition Tips: part 2 of 4

2008-02-26T12:16:00.000+08:00

Part two in our four-part series on transition tips from ITU Sport Development Manager Alan Ley:

Triathletes are the best at practicing running drills, swimming skills and cycling mile after mile to gain a few seconds of speed and efficiency. But the swim to bike (T-1) or bike to run (T-2) transitions are usually neglected until race morning. By following a few simple tips and practicing transitions prior to race morning triathletes can reduce their stress and anxiety and see a reduction in their finishing times without adding a single interval to their training.

ITU SPORT DEVELOPMENT TRANSITION TIPS Part 2:

4. Make sure your bike is in the right gear for the course demands.
5. Rack your bike securely. The last thing you want to happen is for your bike to fall over or get knocked over.
6. Mentally rehearse or better yet, walk the entrance and exit path you will use.
7. If it’s a wetsuit swim put your bike/run clothes and race number on under the suit.

Ironman China Gathers International Interest

2008-02-26T08:15:00.000+08:00

Haikou, 19 February, 2008 – Momentum is gathering as athletes from across the world are committing to tough it out at endurance sport’s latest addition to the international race calendar: Ironman China.

Both amateurs and professional athletes are eligible to enter the event, which is attracting some of the world’s top triathletes. On race day, 20 April 2008, participants in Ironman China will swim 3.9km in the South China Sea, cycle 180km through coastal and rural China, and run 42km through the parks and bridges of Hainan. The same date is also host to the CLSA Ironman China 70.3, the official half distance Ironman event.

Alex Bok, manager of teamTBB, which took the triathlon world by storm in 2007, has confidence in the timely arrival of Ironman China. “The triathlon lifestyle is growing very steadily with about 25% year on year growth in the numbers of race participants around the world. Asia is picking up rapidly with even faster growth numbers, and is currently going through the kind of sporting boom Europe and North America saw in the 80s and 90s,” said Bok. “With the live coverage of races on the web getting around 500,000 visitors a month, it’s clear that the media and sponsors are becoming increasingly excited about this sport. Ironman China is a wonderful addition to the race calendar in Asia and has become a reality after many years of hard work by people such as Murphy Reinschreiber.”

Bok called out to those who are still sitting on the fence about participating in the race, “You have only one chance to say, “I attended the very first Ironman China.” I’m very excited about this race, and the participation of teamTBB athletes.”

Experienced Event Director Murphy Reinschreiber has a close relationship with Asia, having directed the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, in Thailand, for the past 15 years “We expect to have representation from around the region, with strong participation from countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and Korea. Some are experienced triathletes and Ironmen, while others are choosing to make their Ironman debut at Ironman China.”

Amateur athletes in the US and Europe are frequently finding that Ironman races in more well known locations in North American and Europe are at capacity soon after entries open. Due to the extensive logistics involved in a complex and day-long event such as Ironman, participant numbers must be capped to ensure the safety of all racers.

“That’s why Ironman China is appealing - It’s the world’s first destination Ironman event.” believes Reinschreiber. “Competitive long haul airfares, and the rise of low cost airlines within Asia add to the attraction of combining a holiday with events like Ironman China.”

Haikou, the race site, on Hainan Island is often dubbed China’s Hawaii, in reference to the long white beaches, calm tropical waters, and clear blue skies.

China’s first Ironman event will be held on 20 April, in Hainan, China.

About Ironman China Ltd
Ironman China is owned and produced by Ironman China Ltd. For further information on Ironman China please see IronmanChina.com.

Ironman Malaysia: Ah Thiam may miss World Championship

2008-02-26T08:11:00.001+08:00

WONG Ah Thiam, who qualified for World Ironman Championship, is in serious doubt of making the trip to Kona, Hawaii due to lack of funds.

The 34-year-old triathlete finished an impressive third in the 30-34 age group and 21st overall in the Malaysia Ironman in Langkawi on Saturday to earn an automatic spot for Kona.

"Of course I am happy to have made it to Kona but I am not satisfied with my time. I was aiming to go about nine hours 45 minutes but I pushed myself too much on the bike which affected my run," said Ah Thiam who clocked 10:03:59.

"The new cycling course was really challenging with some slopes and the wind is also another factor. It was very different and tiring compared to previous championships."

His best result prior to Saturday was sixth in 2005 when the field was severely cut due to the tsunami which hit Langkawi on Dec 26, 2004.
The former national cyclist competed in Kona in 2005 and 2006, and is hopeful to compete there again with the help of the Sports Ministry and sponsors.

"It cost me a lot to go to Kona so I really hope that this year the ministry and some private companies could help," he said. "It is a World Championship held once a year, so I really want to go," he said.

Ah Thiam's best result in Kona was a 343th placing (out of 1,680) in 2006 clocking 10:00:57s which is also his personal best.

The athlete said the growing number of Malaysians in this year's race showed that the sport is gaining popularity in the country.

"Many of them (competitors) are serious about it and pay for everything themselves just to compete so, hopefully, the ministry will start looking at it as a serious sporting event."

Carmen Leong, who competed in the women's category and finished 16th overall in a time of 12:39.09, also qualified for Kona.

Ah Thiam books ticket to world meet

2008-02-25T09:49:00.001+08:00

LANGKAWI: Former national cyclist Wong Ah Thiam’s (pic - Tey Eng Tiong) good performance during last Saturday’s Langkawi Ironman Triathlon has earned him a spot at the Ironman World Championships 2008 in Kona, Hawaii, in October.

Although he is eligible for one of the two wild card tickets reserved for hosts Malaysia’s best-placed men and women, Ah Thiam preferred to qualify the hard way.

The 34-year-old mechanic was placed 21st in the overall standings out of more than 600 finishers, thus earning one of the 35 world meet berths allocated to the best finishers in Langkawi.

His 10’03:59 finish was also good enough to clinch third place in the men’s 30-34 age group category.

Mike Schifferle of Ireland (9’31:34) and Germany’s Andre Stuebs (10’00:40) finished ahead of the Malaysian in the category.

A competitor is required to swim 3.8km, cycle 180km and run a full marathon distance of 42.2km in the Ironman competition.

“This is the second time that I have qualified for Kona on merit. My first was in 2006, when I finished 18th overall. But this year’s timing is my personal best at the Langkawi Ironman since I started in 2004,” said Ah Thiam.

“My aim was to dip below 10 hours, but I have no complaints as today’s hot conditions were not ideal to attempt a best timing.”

During his world meet debut in 2006, the Malaysian did his personal best time of 9’57:00 to finish 343rd out of 1,680 of the world’s best triathletes.

However, the Kelantan-born Ah Thiam is not certain of returning to Hawaii yet.

“My main obstacle is getting sponsors. In 2006, Standard Chartered Bank stepped forward to foot my expenses. Since I would be representing Malaysia in Hawaii, I hope someone is willing to sponsor me to compete at the Ironman World Championships again.

“If I am able to produce a good performance there, it would motivate more Malaysians to take up triathlon.

“There were only about 30 local competitors in Langkawi five years ago, but now we have 148.

“With more youngsters coming in, I am training harder as it is getting more difficult to maintain my status as the country’s number one. This is a good sign for triathlon’s development but we still need more high-level competitions in Malaysia,” added the triathlete.

Meanwhile, Dr Fiona Lim’s long reign as the top local female Ironman ended when she could only complete the race in 13’22:51.

The 37-year-old dentist from Sabah, who has competed in four world meets, lost out to Carmen Leong (12’39:09) and Wendy Wong (12’47:07).

The 38-year-old Carmen finished third in the women’s 35-39 age group, with Wendy coming in fourth and Fiona seventh in the same category.

British-born Emma Penver (women’s 30-34 category), who was registered as a Malaysian athlete for the Langkawi race, also finished ahead of Fiona in 12’59:15.

The Langkawi Ironman 2008 men’s competition was won by 2005 world champion Faris Al-Sultan of Germany in 8’34:32, while Australian Belinda Granger triumphed in the women’s section with a 9’29:21 new meet record.

Malaysian Athlete Ironman Results

2008-02-24T18:19:00.002+08:00

Click here for a file of detailed results of selected Malaysian and Malaysia-based athletes. Please contact us if you have been missed, or to report any errors.

Report to follow soon.

Faris is the Sultan of Sweat, Granger outruns Van Vlerken in Malaysian heat

2008-02-24T18:14:00.000+08:00

This report filed - February 24, 2008
By Timothy Carlson

Faris Al-Sultan got back on track after a disappointing 2007 with a commanding 30-minute victory over Petr Vabrousek in the pavement-melting heat at Ironman Malaysia, while Belinda Granger earned her fifth Ironman-distance win with a 6-minute 24-second margin of victory over Holland's Yvonne Van Vlerken.

Al-Sultan came out of the water in second, then blasted away from the field with a 4:34:44 bike that put 15 minutes on the next best in the field, then topped off his day in the Malaysian sauna with a race-best 3:06:08 run that gave him a third-best ever Ironman Malaysia finishing time of 8:34:42.

Sultan's virtual wire-to-wire solo exhibition in his own time zone left the Czech Republic's Vabrousek running away from Germany's Elmar Schuberth at the end by two minutes for second place. Al-Sultan's effort was just what the doctor ordered to forget 2007 - an early season DNF, a tepid 6th at Frankfurt and the excruciatingly disappointing Did Not Start due to a stomach virus at Ironman Hawaii. The win was Al-Sultan's first Ironman win after his debut victory at Ironman Arizona and smashing win at Ironman Hawaii in 2005.

Granger got a measure of revenge for the spanking she received by the fleet feet of Van Vlerken at Quelle Challenge Roth last year in which the Netherland's fastest-ever Ironman star finished the classic Roth course 16 minutes ahead in a blazing swift, near world-best 8 hours 51 minutes last July.

Granger started her day with a 58:01 swim, just behind Team TBB teammate Hilary Biscay, which put 5 minutes 42 seconds on Van Vlerken. Granger then padded her lead by another 3 minutes 30 seconds with a race-best 5:03:30 bike then hung on grimly with a strong-for-the-heat 3:24:11 run that only surrendered 2 minutes 9 seconds to her rival.

Granger's 9:29:11 finish broke 2007 Ironman Malaysia winner Nicole Leder's race record by 13 minutes and 12 seconds and set up a rematch in Germany this summer.

Recognizing Granger's superior heat adaptation qualities, qualities, Van Vlerken knew she would have her hands full in Malaysia. "This is Belinda's playground," Van Vlerken told IronmanLive.com before the race.

Granger credited coach Brett Sutton, who also coaches Ironman Hawaii phenom Chrissie Wellington, with the perfect strategy. " I did exactly what he told me to do at Ironman Canada two years ago," said Granger, who won at Penticton that year. "Get a lead off the bike, but don't go out too crazy in the marathon and just make them work a long time to get every 30 seconds back. That gets demoralizing and they blow up."

Van Vlerken trimmed Granger's 9 minute lead off the bike to 3 minutes with 10k m to go on the run before she surrendered. "I had so much pain and I tried so hard," said Van Vlerken. "My legs were hurting like hell and I couldn't go any more."

Granger told IronmanLive.com that Van Vlerken's stunning performance in the relative cool of mid-summer Germany left a blow to her pride she hoped to erase. "Yvonna really did make Jo Lawn and I look pretty ordinary last year."

Ironman Malaysia also served as the 100th Ironman finish of amazing age grouper John Wragg.

Lotto Ironman Langkawi Malaysia
Langkawi, Malaysia
February 23, 2008
S 2.4 mi/ B 112 mi/ R 26.2 mi

Results

Elite Males

1. Faris Al-Sultan (Ger) 8:34:42
2. Petr Vabrousek (Cze) 9:04:54
3. Elmar Schuberth (Ger) 9:06:03
4. Matthieu O'Halloran 9:10:44
5. Luke Dragstra (Can) 9:17:49
6. Park Byung Hoon (Kor) 9:19:56
7. Patrick Bless (USA) 9:31:24
8. Peter Kern (Ger) 9:34:02
9. Kjell Schoiberg (Nor) 9:57:50

Elite Females

1. Belinda Granger (Aus) 9:29:21
2. Yvonne Van Vlerken (Ned) 9:35:45
3. Yasuko Miyazaki (Jpn) 10:14:01
4. Hilary Biscay (USA) 10:18:11
5. Ute Streiter (Ger) 10:50:30

Amateurs

First overall male: Thomas Vonach (Aut) 9:26:55

First overall female: Diana Riesler (Ger) 10:18:50

Ironman Malaysia Roundup

2008-02-24T18:12:00.001+08:00

Recap courtesy of www.ironman.com

Faris Al-Sultan put a lot of pressure on himself coming into Ironman Malaysia, determined to bounce back after a "disappointing" 2007 to prove that he remains one of the world's best triathletes. Belinda Granger was equally determined to reverse the tables on Yvonne van Vlerken, who had made her "look ordinary" (her words, not mine!) at a race in Germany last year.

Both succeeded in the heat of Langkawi by handily beating their competition to claim the titles at the race dubbed "The Toughest Show on Earth." Al-Sultan beat the rest of the men by more than a half hour, while Granger held van Vlerken off with a spirited last 10 km of the marathon.

The Faris show begins on the bike

The day began with a fast swim by Canadian Mathieu O’Halloran, who led Al-Sultan out of the water. It didn’t take long, though, for the fast-riding German to move to the front once they left T1. Al-Sultan simply dominated both the bike and run, arriving at T2 more than 20 minutes clear of O’Halloran, Canada’s Luke Dragstra and the Czech Republic’s Petr Vabrousek. Austria’s Elmar Schuberth was ahead of those three at T2, but spent five minutes in the penalty box for a drafting violation.

If Al-Sultan hadn’t been in the race, it actually would have been close. Schuberth quickly moved into second place, while Vabrousek steadily moved through the field. The two Europeans ran together for much of the second half of the marathon before Vabrousek pulled away over the final four kilometers to claim a second to go along with the third, fourth and fifth finishes he has already claimed here in Langkawi.

Schuberth hung on for third, while O’Halloran got a fourth in his first Ironman. Dragstra finished fifth and Park Byunghoon claimed sixth.

Catch me if you can

Granger quickly passed her teammate and friend Hillary Biscay, the women’s swim leader, during the early stages of the ride, pulling away from the rest of the field in the process. Through the first two loops of the ride the Australian opened up a gap of more than 10 minutes on van Vlerken, but over the final 60 km the blond woman from the Netherlands started to gain back some of the time she’d lost.

Starting the marathon van Vlerken trailed by a little over eight minutes. Over the first half of the four-time-out-and-back course she steadily gained time. Through 21 km the lead was down to 3:20, but over the next three kilometers van Vlerken only gained another five seconds.

With 10 km to go the lead was down to 2:45, which was as close as van Vlerken would get to the win as she simply ran out of gas. Granger broke Nicole Leder’s course record by more than 12 minutes, while van Vlerken, competing in her first official Ironman race, got herself a spot in Kona later this year.

Third went to Yasuko Miyazaki, who managed to outrun Biscay, who claimed fourth. Rounding out the top-five in the women’s race was Austria’s Ute Streiter.

Age group excellence
Austria’s Thomas Vonach made it two years in a row as the first age group man across the line, while the women’s overall age-group race turned out to be a three-second affair between Japan’s Megumi Kobayashi and Robyn McGeary. Both were in the straightaway at the same time, with Kobayashi getting to the line just ahead of the 47-year-old Aussie.

For a complete recap of the day in Langkawi including pictures, text updates, features, race results and athlete tracking, go to the race coverage section of the Ironman Malaysia page. www.ironman.com

Ironman Malaysia: Faris, Belinda rule Langkawi

2008-02-24T10:43:00.000+08:00

Australia's Belinda Granger crosses the finish line to win the women's Ironman Malaysia title in record time in Langkawi yesterday.

GERMANY'S former world champion Faris Al-Sultan and Australia's Belinda Granger overcame the scorching weather in Langkawi to win the 2008 Ironman Malaysia men's and women's titles respectively yesterday.

Faris Al-Sultan.

The 30-year-old Faris stormed into the lead by the second event, cycling, and finished an hour ahead of second placed Peter Vabrousek of the Czech Republic.

Faris, who clocked 8 hours 34 minutes 42 seconds, said: "Peter is a strong runner, he beat me in the run twice last year in Frankfurt and South Africa. So, I knew I had to pace myself on the bike to put myself a distance away from him.

"I was not happy with my run, but that was enough for me to win the race," said Faris, competing in Malaysia for the first time.

Faris, the 2005 world champion, will compete in the Frankfurt leg of the Ironman competition in July before the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in November.
In the women's category, Belinda upstaged pre-race favourite Yvonne Van Vlerken of the Netherlands to capture her sixth Ironman title. Belinda clocked 9:29:21s while Yvonne posted 9:35:46; while Yasuko Miyazaki of Japan was third (10:14:01).

Yvonne, a world champion in duathlon, was sticking close to Belinda before the latter sped off in the final six kilometres.

Belinda, who was second in Langkawi in 2003, said she found it harder to win this time, compared to five years ago.

"I won't say it was easier than the one in 2003. I'm older now, and I'm wiser and more patient," said the 37-year-old who broke the course record with 9:29:21s.

The old record of 9:44:12s was set last year by German Nicole Leder.

Malaysia's best finisher was former national cyclist Wong Ah Thiam who finished third in the men's 30-34 age group with a time of 10:03:59s.

RESULTS - Men: 1 Faris Al-Sultan (Ger) 8:34:42s; 2 Peter Vabrousek (Cze) 9:04:54 3; 3. Elmar Schuberth (Aust) 9:06:03.

Women: 1 Belinda Granger (Aus) 9:29:21s; 2 Yvonne van Vlerken (Ned) 9:35:46; 3 Yasuko Miyazaki (Jap) 10:14:01.

Faris Wins Langkawi Ironman

2008-02-24T10:40:00.000+08:00

LANGKAWI, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Faris Al-Sultan came out tops at the Langkawi Ironman Championship in the men's professional category Saturday.

The German with Iraqi roots, who won the 2005 world title in Hawaii, clocked 8:34:41s to walk away the winner but his time was 17 minutes slower than last year's champion, Dutchman Luc Van Lierde, who did not take part this time.

"The Kailua-Kona Triathlon in Hawaii and the Langkawi Ironman Championship cannot be compared to each other but I am overjoyed with my win here today," Faris told reporters after the race.

In the women's professional category, the 2001 and 2005 Langkawi Ironman champion, Belinda Granger of Australia won in record-breaking time of 9:29:21s.

In the local men's category, former national cyclist, Wong Ah Thiam,33, was the first to cross the finish line, clocking 10:02:05s.

The championship offered total prize money of RM161,000.

-- BERNAMA

Favourites Win In Langkawi

2008-02-23T16:55:00.004+08:00

Hot favourite Faris Al-Sultan (GER) won Ironman Langkawi this afternoon in 8:34:42, from Petr Vabrousek and 3rd-placed Elmar Schuberth.

Belinda Granger (below) won the womens race in 9:29:21 after fighting off a strong challenge from Yvonne Van Vlerken in the run. In doing so she smashed the previous course record by 12 minutes.

Top female triathletes say right strategy is key to victory

2008-02-23T10:59:00.002+08:00

By LOGANATH VELLOO

LANGKAWI: The top female professional triathletes competing in the Ironman Langkawi Triathlon 2008 today believe that the race can only be won by utilising brains and not brawn alone.

They feel that a proper tactical approach, and not pushing all out from the starting point, will be crucial to winning in Langkawi.

The 2003 women’s runner-up Belinda Granger of Australia cites herself as the best example of failing to win the competition after going all out in the race five years ago.

The Langkawi Ironman requires a triathlete to complete a 3.8km swim, 180km cycling and run a 42.2km full marathon course.

“Being unable to win here in 2003 hurt me so much that I swore at the time not to return to Langkawi. The race here is a different kettle of fish than any other Ironman competitions around the world.

“Because of the heat in Langkawi, a triathlete who decides to be too competitive will only risk suffering burnout during the run. I learnt the hard way five years ago after pushing myself too hard during the cycling leg. I am older and smarter now, and believe I have the correct strategy to challenge for the top spot tomorrow,” said Granger.

Holland's Yvonne Van Vlerken, who is still searching for her first Ironman title despite clinching several other high profile international victories, also feels that the key to success lies in the crucial marathon leg.

“It is important to have a proper marathon run and not struggle, especially in the final 20km. I have been told not to spend too much energy on the bicycle here and I intend to follow the useful advice.

“Even if I don’t win in Langkawi, it would still be a good result for me if I can clinch one of the qualifying berths for the World Championships in Hawaii,” said Van Vlerken, the 2006 world duathlon champion.

Since most of the repeat competitors here have cautioned against cycling too hard, American Hillary Biscay intends to utilise the opening swimming leg to her advantage.

“My strength is in the water, and I intend to push to the front to try and earn an early lead before the cycling starts. Due to the extreme weather conditions here, I do not expect any competitor to attempt to break any records,” said Biscay.

Besides fatigue and heat exhaustion, dehydration has also been cited as one of the main problems confronting the participants.

Czech Petr Vabrousek, who is competing in the men’s professional category and has not missed a Langkawi Ironman competition since 2003, said the dehydration kicks in early during the swimming leg itself.

“In European Ironman competitions, the water is freezing cold when we swim. Here in Langkawi, the water is warm and since the dehydration kicks in early, it can be very exhausting,” said Vabrousek, who only had five days to acclimatise since arriving from wintry Europe.

The 690 competitors will be flagged off at the Jetty Point in Kuah beginning from 7.30am, with the winner expected to cross the finish line more than eight hours later. A competitor is required to complete the gruelling race within 17 hours to be certified as an Ironman.

Ironman Malaysia 2008 Achieves Highest Participation Thus Far

2008-02-22T16:57:00.001+08:00

LANGKAWI, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- The Ironman Malaysia 2008 which gets underway here this Saturday has drawn a participation of 700 triathletes from 38 countries, its highest since the event was introduced eight years ago.

"This year the competition will also be stiffer as 2005 world champion Faris Al-Sultan is among the contenders," Langkawi Ironman Endurance Marathon Sdn Bhd (LIEM) president Datuk Sri Ram Sarma told Bernama.

LIEM are the organisers of the event.

A total of 148 Malaysians are also taking part, including big names like Wong Ah Tiam, Dr Fiona Lim, Don Khor, Hairul Azwar and Cecil Cheong.

A total of RM161,000 in prize money is on offer for the winners.

-- BERNAMA

Germany’s Faris confident of winning start to season

2008-02-22T16:56:00.000+08:00

LANGKAWI: Nothing short of a victory will do for former world Ironman champion Faris Al-Sultan in tomorrow’s Langkawi Ironman Triathlon race.

The German with Iraqi roots, who won the 2005 world title in Hawaii with an 8’14:17 finish, will be competing in Malaysia for the first time.

And the 30-year-old is determined to kick off the 2008 season on a winning note.

“I did not come here to finish eighth, but to win the race. The glory days of being a world champion may be long gone and I had a bad season last year. Therefore, I need to get good results soon to get back on track,” said Faris yesterday.

When asked why he chose to compete in Langkawi as it is one of the hottest races in the Ironman series, Faris replied: “I like competing in hot courses. The annual World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, is also held in hot conditions and I intend to utilise the Langkawi race as preparation for the season-ending competition.

“I am planning to compete in just three races this year, so it is important to make a winning start in Langkawi and earn a ticket to the World Championships.”

The Langkawi Ironman offers 35 spots for this year’s world meet.

Besides Langkawi and Hawaii, Faris also intends to compete in his home Ironman in Frankfurt.

The German cited the hot Langkawi climate as a bigger challenge to him than the other competitors here in Malaysia.

“I have prepared for the last three months for this race. My biggest task would be to survive the climate, and I need to remain calm at all times to overcome the heat,” said Faris.

“I have checked out the course, and apart from a few hills in the cycling leg, it is not too demanding.

“Among the other competitors, I am wary of the threat posed by Petr Vabrousek (of the Czech Republic). He is a very good runner and has the ability to catch me during the run leg. There are also several triathletes who are used to competing in this part of the world and can spring a surprise or two.”

For the first time since the Langkawi Ironman series began in 2000, Malaysia have the biggest number of entries with 148 participants.

In the past, it was either Singapore or Japan who normally sent the biggest contingents here.

This year, Singapore listed 136 entries while Japan have 109 contestants in Langkawi.

A total of 690 triathletes from 38 countries will be flagged off in tomorrow’s race, but not all are expected to complete the demanding course.

Another Stellar Field In Langkawi

2008-02-20T12:18:00.000+08:00

Look for our live coverage from Ironman Malaysia this weekend.

Once again the hottest race on the Ironman circuit has attracted an impressive field - this weekend promises to be a close battle between some of the world's premier Ironman triathletes as they compete at Ironman Malaysia.

Leading the way on the men's side is former Ford Ironman World Champion Faris Al-Sultan, while the women's race includes Ironman champions Rebecca Preston and Belinda Granger. They'll hardly be outright favorites, though, since the field includes some stiff competition including, on the women's side, Yvonne Van Vlerken, Marilyn McDonald and Hillary Biscay. Al-Sultan will have to get to the line ahead of Ironman champs Petr Vabrousek, Byunghoon Park and Chris McDonald if he is to claim the title. The day begins with a two-loop swim in Kuah Bay next to a giant eagle statue that dominates the Jetty Point port area. The three-loop bike course features a few steep hills, but despite that promises to be fast. It is the four-loop run course that makes the race in Langkawi so tough. The terrain isn't that challenging - it's the heat that the athletes face as they go through the marathon that makes things difficult. The beautiful finish line at the Jetty Point area provides welcome relief at the end of a tough day of racing.

It is a spectacular venue, but not an easy course thanks to the intense heat and humidity the athletes must face. We’ll have live coverage of this weekend’s race including live timing data, text updates and pictures, so stay tuned for an exciting weekend of racing in Malaysia.

Pro Entries:

1 Streiter, Ute AUT PRO-F
2 Preston, Rebecca AUS PRO-F
3 Chiba, Chiharu JPN PRO-F
4 Miyazaki, Yasuko JPN PRO-F
5 Van Vlerken, Yvonne NLD PRO-F
6 Fitch, Ali AUS PRO-F
7 Shigaki, Megumi JPN PRO-F
8 Granger, Belinda AUS PRO-F
9 Mcdonald, Marilyn AUS PRO-F
10 Biscay, Hillary USA PRO-F
11 Schuberth, Elmar AUT PRO-M
12 Vabrousek, Petr CZE PRO-M
13 Schioeberg, Kjell DEU PRO-M
14 Byunghoon, Park KOR PRO-M
15 Robertson, Andrew AUS PRO-M
16 Kern, Peter IRL PRO-M
17 Al-Sultan, Faris DEU PRO-M
18 Bless, Patrick USA PRO-M
19 Ohalloran, Mathieu CAN PRO-M
20 Mcdonald, Chris AUS PRO-M
21 Dragstra, Luke CAN PRO-M

Powerman Malaysia 2008

2008-02-18T12:47:00.001+08:00

...will be on Sunday 9th November 2008 at Sri Manjung, Perak. For more details click the Powerman Malaysia link (below right).

Quality Field Despite Fewer Pros

2008-02-16T16:17:00.001+08:00

ONLY 23 professionals, led by former Ironman world champions Faris Al-Sultan and Luc Van Lierde, will compete in this year's Ironman Malaysia triathlon in Langkawi on Feb 23, down from the 40 who turned up last year.

But even with the reduced number of professional competitors, the ninth edition of the Langkawi event has already attracted nearly 800 entries for its biggest ever race.

Datuk Sri Ram Sarma, president and chief executive officer of event organisers LIEM Sdn Bhd, said the reduced number of professionals does not in any way weaken the Ironman Malaysia field although he implied that the presence of Al-Sultan, the 2005 world champion of German-Iraqi parentage, and Belgian Van Lierde, the 1996 and 1999 world champion, may have deterred some professionals from competing in the US$50,000 (RM161,000) event.

"You have to remember the race is not just about the professionals but also the amateur athletes who compete to test themselves in a physically and mentally demanding endurance event and who make up more than 90 per cent of the entries. The Ironman is about these people too," said Sri Ram after a sponsorship presentation ceremony in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

Faris & Belinda For Langkawi

2008-02-16T12:16:00.004+08:00

PETALING JAYA: The entries did not reach the targeted mark of 1,000 but the ninth edition of the Langkawi Ironman Triathlon will not be short of excitement.

When entries closed yesterday, the cast was made complete with former world champion Faris Al-Sultan (pic) of Germany leading the assault.

Over 800 athletes from 38 countries will swim 3.8km from Kuah Bay to Jetty Point, cycle 180km from Kuah to Ayer Hangat, and run a full marathon of 42.2km to Dataran Lang in Kuah on Feb 23.

Faris, who will be competing in Malaysia for the first time, can expect a strong challenge from Bulgaria’s Luc Vandjedear.

The Bulgarian is the only competitor to have completed the endurance run in under eight hours and will definitely give the German a run for his money.

Australians Rebecca Paterson and Belinda Granger (pic) are likely to turn the women’s competition into a two-horse race.

Paterson is the 2002 world champion and Granger is the world No. 4.

Malaysia’s challenge will be led by Wong Ah Thiam and Dr Fiona Lim.

Yesterday, Liem Sdn Bhd (the organisers of the event) president and chief executive officer Datuk Sri Ram Sharma said: “This is one of the qualifying races for the World Championships (in Kona, Hawaii in October). Thirty-five slots are up for grabs. In fact, Malaysia’s top men and top women are guaranteed places in the world meet.”

Yesterday, the organisers received sponsorship pledges from Power Bar, RTM, Eau Claire, Banana Boat, Sea View Langkawi, Red Bull, High Five, ING Insurance, Synergy Performance, Celebrity Fitness, Trail Tree, Bike Boutique and ASI.

2008 Calendar Updates

2008-02-15T17:11:00.002+08:00

The dates of the A'Famosa and Lake Kenyir Triathlons have been changed to...

A'Famosa: 10-11 May 2008
Lake Kenyir: 6 July 2008

Swasta perlu bantu Ironman

2008-02-14T17:29:00.001+08:00

Oleh Hamzah Osman
Berita Harian

SELAIN jabatan kerajaan, Kedah mahu pihak swasta turut membantu menjayakan edisi kesembilan Ironman Langkawi 2008 yang akan diadakan di Langkawi pada 23 Februari ini.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Belia dan Sukan Kedah, Datuk Othman Aziz, berkata kerjasama itu penting bagi menentukan kejohanan itu berjalan lancar dan meninggalkan kenangan manis kepada peserta.

"Kami mahu semua pihak termasuk agensi kerajaan dan swasta membabitkan diri menjayakan kejohanan ini kerana ia dapat mempromosikan secara meluas Malaysia dan Kedah khususnya selaku tuan rumah ke mata dunia," katanya.

Beliau berkata, sehingga ini hampir 807 peserta dari 36 negara termasuk 185 peserta tempatan sudah mengesahkan penyertaan untuk kejohanan itu.

"Amat membanggakan apabila jumlah atlit tempatan semakin meningkat, sekali gus menggambarkan semangat kental yang mereka miliki untuk menggempur acara sukan yang sering dikuasai atlit barat dan Jepun," katanya.

Antara peserta luar negara yang menyahut cabaran termasuk juara bertahan kategori lelaki, Xavier Le Floch dari Perancis dan Nicole Leder dari Jerman bagi kategori wanita.

Othman berkata, kerajaan Kedah sentiasa memberi perhatian menjayakan kejohanan itu dan sebuah jawatankuasa sudah dibentuk bagi memastikan kejohanan berjalan lancar.

Kejohanan itu menawarkan hadiah keseluruhan AS$50,000 (RM190,000). Ia merangkumi acara renang sejauh 3.8 kilometer (km), lumba basikal 180.2km dan maraton 42.2km.

Weekend Ride & SBR Session

2008-02-13T09:59:00.000+08:00

From pipot.com - the following training sessions are on this weekend. Even for tapering Langkawi Ironpersons, the Sunday swim-bike-run session is a great opportunity for an easy triathlon simulation, and last minute equipment checks.

Tajuk : Sesi Memperlahankan Diri Atas Beskal Sambil Naik Perez
Tarikh : Saturday 16 February 2008
Time : 7:30AM
Menu : Start @BT14 hall -> Naik Perez -> Turun Perez -> Pegi Tekala Waterfall MAKAN -> Balik
Distance : Less than 100K
Pace : Kalau nak mampos kat Langkawi dipersilakanlah laju ..... kita buat main2 jer ... gelak2 ... have fun ... training's over ... time for some R&R :)

Tajuk : Sesi Melonggarkan Sendi2 Badan Sebelum IRONMAN di University Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
Tarikh : Sunday 17 February 2008
Time : 7:30AM!!
Menu : Olympic Distance
-1.5K swim in pool
-40K bike around UPNM (will decide by Mejar K)
-10K run inside UPNM
-bike & run in group.. pace slow & steady (Race director Mejar K)

Directions to UPNM (by Mejar Kalam) :
UPNM berada dlm Kem Sg Besi atau paling senang Maktab Tentera DiRaja (MTD=RMC). Masuk dari pekan sg besi lama atau bandar tasik selatan. Sapa yg pergi sg besi airport maknanya sudah sesat giler! Ni ha GPS koordinat klu nak tau http://wikimapia.org/ klu tak jumpa jugak, bole terjun masuk lombong.... hehehe parking no hal, luas mcm aircraft carrier.

Anybody interested? Contact person Bacin 013-3585859 or just simply turn up :)

Pace dijanjikan tidak laju LANGSUNG!! Dont be afraid.

Oh yeah ... Mejar Kalam will invite newspaper reporter for our Sunday OD training.

Kimbeley Yap's Blog

2008-02-13T09:56:00.001+08:00

Malaysia's very own triathlon queen has a blog!

http://kim3athlete.blogspot.com

ITU Tips

2008-02-12T10:57:00.000+08:00

Transition Tips: part 1 of 4 (February 11, 2008 ) Today we start the first of a four-part series on transition tips from ITU Sport Development Manager Alan Ley.

We know that triathlons consist of three disciplines; swimming, cycling and running – plus two transitions. Triathletes are the best at practicing running drills, swimming skills and cycling mile after mile to gain a few seconds of speed and efficiency. But the swim to bike (T-1) or bike to run (T-2) transitions are usually neglected until race morning. By following a few simple tips and practicing transitions prior to race morning triathletes can reduce their stress and anxiety and see a reduction in their finishing times without adding a single interval to their training.

ITU SPORT DEVELOPMENT TRANSITION TIPS Part 1:

1. Keep your transition area simple and clutter free. Leave all the gimmicks and non-race essential swag in the car.
2. Make sure your helmet is the first item to put on and the last to take off.
3. Set up your transition area the same way all the time. Everything should be automatic and rehearsed before race morning. Repetition creates efficiency.

Check back soon for part two in our series on Transition Tips

Langkawi Pro Lineup

2008-02-10T16:58:00.000+08:00

Click here for a list of the Pro's who'll be scorching around the Langkawi Ironman course in 2 weeks time.

Langkawi Ironman 2008 - Video

2008-02-06T17:05:00.000+08:00

CNY Training

2008-02-06T16:16:00.001+08:00

Thursday
Route : HOA - Genting Sempah - Bentong - Tranum - Frasers Gap - KKB - Ulu Yam - Batu Cave - Gombak - HOA (tak panjat Gohtong laa..)
Time : 7.30AM @ Hospital Orang Asli
Distance : 190KM

Friday
Route : around putrajaya & cyberjaya 1 loop 50km + 10k or 20k run
Time : 6.30AM @ Masjid Putrajaya

Saturday
Route : BT14 - Bt18 - Peres - Titi - Klawang & u-turn
Time : 7.30am @ Bt14 Hulu Langat
Distance : About 150km

Faris and Lieto add more zing to Langkawi Ironman

2008-02-03T09:43:00.000+08:00

By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Former world champion Faris Al Sultan of Germany and American Chris Lieto will be the two big names to watch out for in this year’s Langkawi Ironman on Feb 23.

The 30-year-old Al Sultan, of German-Iraqi parentage, won the World Ironman Championships title in Kona, Hawaii, in 2005 and finished third the following year.

American Lieto also comes with high credentials, having finished 13th in the world meet in Kona last year.

Al Sultan and Lieto are here under the sponsorship of PowerBar International.

“The presence of these two world class athletes will make the Langkawi Ironman more interesting and challenging,” said Mohd Rahimi Abdullah, the PowerBar International business development manager, yesterday.

“We will also send our sponsored athletes, better known as the PowerBar elite team, to the gruelling race.”

The PowerBar team will be spearheaded by former national cyclist Wong Ah Thiam, who finished 323rd out of the 1,800 world-class triathletes who competed in the world meet in Kona in 2006.

The other members of the team are Dr Fiona Tan, Don Khor, Hairul Azwar, Cecil Cheong, Ngae Koh Hieng and Mejar Kalam Pie.

Langkawi Ironman race director A. Chandrakumanan said this year’s race would see athletes running on the Padang Masirat Highway for the first time.

“So far 750 athletes from 38 countries have confirmed their participation,” said Chandrakumanan, who said that they hoped to attract more athletes before the closing date on Feb 16.

He confirmed that the men’s and women’s defending champions – Xavier LeFlach of France and Nicole Leder of Germany – would not be returning due to family commitments.

The Ironman involves three disciplines – swimming for 3.8km, cycling 180km and a marathon run of 42.2km.

An athlete needs to finish the race in 17 hours to qualify for the Ironman certificate.

Overwhelming Response For Ironman Malaysia 2008

2008-02-02T20:14:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA, Feb 1 (Bernama) -- This year's edition of the RM162,000 Ironman Malaysia has attracted some 800 triathletes from 38 countries, the biggest response so far since its inception in 1999.

"Most of the participants are from overseas with the bulk of them coming from New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Germany," the event's director A. Chandrakumanan told reporters here today.

Local participation numbered 115 so far and included names like Wong Ah Thiam, Dr Fiona Lim, Don Khor, Hairul Azwar and Cecil Cheong, he added.

Ironman Malaysia will be held in Langkawi from Feb 21 to 23 and is organised by Langkawi Ironman Endurance Marathon Sdn Bhd (LIEM).

-- BERNAMA

Triathlon / Langkawi Ironman: Le Floch, Nicole won't defend titles

2008-02-02T20:12:00.000+08:00

Ironman Malaysia race director A. Chandrankumanan (2nd from right) posing with Nestle (Malaysia and Singapore) country manager Emily Loo (left), Powerbar business development manager Mohammad Rahimi (2nd from left) and Ironman Malaysia sponsorship manager Aaron Sharma after the presentation yesterday.

THE ninth edition of the Ironman Malaysia Triathlon in Langkawi on Feb 23 has attracted a record 800 triathletes from 38 countries but the men's and women's defending champions are not among them.

Xavier Le Floch, who won his maiden Ironman title and also became the first Frenchman to triumph in Langkawi last year, and women's champion Nicole Leder of Germany will not be defending their titles.

Race director A. Chandrankumanan said Le Floch and Nicole cited family commitments for giving Langkawi a miss this year.

"The defending men's and women's champions will not be in Langkawi as they both have had a birth of a child in their respective families recently," said Chandrankumanan after a sponsorship presentation ceremony with Powerbar in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

However, the 2008 race, involving a 3.8km swim, 180.2km of cycling and a marathon run, has received the most number of entries in its nine-year history.
Last year, 550 triathletes started the race, which fell short of the organiser's target of 700. Completing the course within 17 hours were 463 triathletes who received the Ironman certification.

This year's local challenge will again be spearheaded by Malaysia's top triathletes Wong Ah Thiam (who finished 89th in 11 hours and 20 minutes after a tyre puncture last year) and Dr Fiona Lim, who won the women's 35-39 age group and ended 149th overall in 12:23:18s.

The competition offers US$50,000 (RM170,000) in prize money with 35 qualifying places to the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in October. Two tickets to Kona are reserved for the best placed Malaysian man and woman.

Malaysia's "Ultraman" Powers His Way Into Book Of Records

2008-02-01T18:28:00.000+08:00

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- A fitness buff today carved his name into the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first Malaysian to complete the gruelling Canada Individual Ultraman race last year.

M. Kannan, who had taken part in seven Ironman Triathlon competitions, finished 15th among 25 participants.

Unlike the Ironman competition that involve 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycling and 42.2km run, the Ultraman is a gruelling 10km swim, 418km cycling and 84.3km run in 36 hours.

Each discipline in the Ultraman race is more than double that of the triathlon, with each category allowing only a 12-hour cut-off time.

The 33-year-old Kannan said the Ultraman race was "two to three times harder than the Ironman".

"I always look forward to doing things that people rarely venture into. The event last year was also timely as Malaysia was celebrating its 50th anniversary," he told Bernama.

The Penangite said he nearly gave up on the last day of the event due to exhaustion during the 84.3km run.

"My toe nail was badly hurt and bleeding during the last 21km but there came a crew of the event who encouraged me to finish the run," he said, adding that he would always remember what the crew said to him -- that "pain is temporary while glory is forever".

"Although I only managed 15th place but I am glad to finish the event in 36 hours," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Upcoming Rides

2008-01-31T12:15:00.000+08:00

(1) PCC Sunday Road Ride: Bentong Ice Kacang – 70km

Date: 3 Feb 2008
Time: 7.30am
Start: Genting Sempah R&R
Destination: Bentong
Distance: 68km/ 96km

Ride description:

Mostly downhill all the way from Genting Sempah to Bentong. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and cool breeze under the canopy on the way up

How to get Genting Sempah:

Take the Karak Highway towards Genting Highland, exit at Genting Sempah R&R (not Genting Highland). Park your car and Get Ready at the Genting Sempah Rest Area 15 minutes before the ride starts.

Please contact Soh (016-2122696) or Don Chan (17-883 0538) if you have any queries. See you there!

NO HELMET NO RIDE!

(2) Chinese New Year Rides (tbc - watch this site for more details)

Thursday: HOA - Genting Sempah - Bentong - Tranum - Frasers Gap - KKB - Ulu Yam - Gohtong - Genting Sempah - HOA (very hard hilly 190 km)

Friday: KL - Putrajaya - KL (easy flat 76 km)

Saturday: Batu 14 - Kuala Klawang - Batu 14 (medium-hard hilly 120 km)

Sunday: MTDC Bangi - Banting - MTDC Banting (medium-hard flat 160 km)

Singapore Sprint Series

2008-01-31T11:42:00.000+08:00

Tribob have just announced the following series of sprint duathlon, biathlon & triathlon events......

http://singaporesprintseries.com/

Now, you don’t need a big pool to keep fit

2008-01-31T10:44:00.000+08:00

From The Star - original article is here.

By VIVIENNE PAL

Malaysia-made product allows users to swim on the spot.

EXPERTS say that swimming is one of the best exercises to keep fit, but very few of us can afford the convenience of a swimming pool in our homes.

The Smart Pool could well be a less expensive solution, as it allows users to swim on the spot - just like a swimming treadmill.

Swimming on the spot: Professional triathlete Cecil Cheong demonstrating how the SmartPool works during the launching ceremony recently.

According to SmartPools Sdn Bhd executive director Faizan Khan, the pool works on a volume driven water propulsion system which offers a smooth, adjustable current in a water depth of 3.5ft within a 15ftx8ft pool.

"This is the first pool that is designed, developed and manufactured in Malaysia," said Faizan during the launch at the Mines Waterfront Business Park on Thursday .

The pool can be fitted indoors or outdoors and installation can be simple or grand according to decor choices, with a selection of marble, granite, pebble stone, brick and wood finishing.

It can be installed on ground level, or at in-ground level.

Pool pushers: (From right) SmartPools Sdn Bhd executive director Zeeshan Khan, sales manager Eddie Kamarul Yahya and executive director Faizan Khan join professional triathlete Cecil Cheong as he takes a breather after exercising in the SmartPool.

Maintenance is not extensive, and operating costs are about the same as that of an air conditioner, while the Water Quality System maintenance costs about RM50 a month.

Faizan is expecting good response within the next few years from the Malaysian, Singaporean, Asian and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

"As of now we have received confirmed orders of 54 units. The company hopes to produce from 600 to 700 units in the first year alone, and eventually increase production up to 3, 000 units annually by 2010. These are very conservative figures," said Faizan.

SmartPools has signed a sales partnership agreement with Country Heights E Marketing Services Sdn Bhd to target villa and semi-detached home owners in more than 3, 000 villas in Country Heights' properties across the country.

SmartPools currently offers the SmartPool Arena package at RM49, 550 and the SmartPool X-Lane (to be fitted into existing pools) at RM24, 500.

For details, call 1 300 88 7474.

Triathlete not setting targets for her Ironman debut there

2008-01-30T16:50:00.001+08:00

From The Star - view the original article here.

By NG WEI LOON

IT TOOK six weeks for triathlete Carmen Leong to recuperate from her debut at the Ironman Western Australia Triathlon held in Busselton, Australia in December.

The gutsy 38-year-old nurse said she felt really exhausted after her outing.

“I was physically drained after the race and my muscles were sore. But, following the event, we had a good time with a week's vacation in Australia. Apart from accomplishing a respectable result in the race, the wine tasting at the renowned vineyard at Margaret River was the defining moment of the Down Under trip,” said Leong, who went there with five other triahletes from Malaysia.

In Australia, Leong clocked a creditable 12'30 on the gruelling course comprising a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run.

Training partners: Pritchard (left) encouraging Leong to do well.

She finished 21st in the women's 35 to 39 years age-group and 99th in the overall women's standings.

“Honestly, I was surprised with my own performance because I was only hoping to cross the finish line in 13 hours. I felt strong after the cycling leg and was all pumped up to take on the marathon distance in the run,” said Leong, who was the winner in the women's above 35 years category at the Desaru Half Ironman last year.

After having taken part in shorter-distance triathlon events such as the Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run) and Half Ironman (1.6km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run) routes since 2004, Leong was persuaded by her training partner Sam Pritchard to take up the challenge and feature in the Ironman distance.

“Initially, she was unsure of her condition and readiness to step up to the challenge and only wanted to go as a spectator. But, I managed to convince her to sign up and train for the event.

“It was a serious decision to graduate from Half Ironman to the Ironman event. She displayed very strong character and tough mental strength to achieve a fantastic result at Busselton,” said Pritchard, who has been residing here for the past eight years.

According to Pritchard, they trained for three and a half months, chalking up between 12 and 15 hours of training in a week when they were gearing up for the event in Australia.

Gutsy nurse: Leong stretching before her workout.

“Training with a group of friends who share the same interest has been a great way to stay focused on the task ahead because we encourage each other to achieve our individual goals,” said Leong, who finds time to work out in between her work commitments.

In fact, Pritchard, a 57-year-old retired Englishman, spurred Leong to do well when he supplied her with a Cervelo P2 Carbon bicycle specially designed for triathlon, worth RM14,000.

“I realised she needed proper equipment to achieve good results. I wanted her to feel good about her chances of doing well,” said Pritchard.

Come Feb 23, Leong will be eyeing another good run in her first appearance at the Langkawi Ironman.

“I have been there three times as a spectator. I have not set any specific target – I am aiming only to finish the race. The hot and humid weather has always been a major concern for the competitors. In addition, the cycling leg is also very demanding because of the hilly terrain,” Leong said, adding that she pocketed RM7,000 in prize money in her best season racing on the triathlon circuit.

Ahead of the race in Langkawi, Pritchard and Leong are planning to cycle to Port Dickson to join Leong's family for the Chinese New Year celebration in her hometown of Lukut before tapering down in their training regime.

“It is important that we get to the starting line injury-free and in good condition to endure the full distance,” said Pritchard, who will be competing in the men's 55 to 59 years section.

Weekend Training

2008-01-30T16:43:00.000+08:00

Sam the Man says: -

"Folks

The ride on Saturday is to PD again. The distance is between 190k and 200k for those coming from PJ. For those wishing to log some extra k’s, the option exists to ride further to Admiral Marina before returning to the coffee shop. This will add an extra 25-30k to the ride.

Meet at Mega Mall exit off the Federal Highway at 0600, at Cheras 2nd toll at 0640 or Shell station opposite Country Heights at 0700. Please let me know if you plan to come along and at what point you will join the ride.

Drink stops will be at Salak on the way out and on the return. Breakfast stop will be in PD at the coffee shop opposite Costa Rica.

Sam"

Simon says: - "I will definitely be doing the extra bit to Admiral Marina for a round trip of 208k - I've had enough of these short cuts

Also for anyone interested there will be a 42k run on Sunday morning starting a 5:30 - Check this post again for any updates just in case we make it a little earlier"

Race Announcements

2008-01-26T16:49:00.000+08:00

29 June - Bali Triathlon
25 May - PD Half Marathon
22 June - Penang Bridge Marathon
13 July - Mizuno Wave Run

Saturday Putrajaya Ride

2008-01-25T17:03:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow (Sat 25/1/08) will be a 150 km ride around Putrajaya. The details are as follows:

Start time: 0715 hours SHARP!!!

Place: Taman Warisan car park

Route: 3 x 50 km loops of Putrajaya/Cyberjaya

Route description: A good mix of flat sections and lumpy bits

Refill points: Only 1 stop. Petronas Putrajaya after 2nd loop so please carry sufficient water

Bacin and I are also a planning a short 15-20 minute T-run after the ride for anyone so inclined. Please feel free to come and bring your running shoes if you want

The Bike Boutique

2008-01-25T16:51:00.000+08:00

The Bike Boutique (TBB) is opening its first shop in Malaysia very soon.

In celebration of this event, TBB are hosting an open-day on the 3rd Feb at the new shop in Damansara Perdana from 1100 to 1800.

The shop is easy to find. Take the Damansara Perdana exit from the LDP (after passing 1 Utama and IKEA). Go up a steep hill and at the top; look for new offices and shops on the right side of the road. Look for Citibank and TBB is virtually next door.

If you have got a spare half and hour on the 3rd, please go along and check it out. The shop and TBB is certainly a different concept to what we are accustomed to in KL and arguably it is a refreshing change.

Race Announcements

2008-01-25T09:46:00.001+08:00

The 2008 Calendar is filling up fast...

Adidas King Of The Road 21/10/7/5km - Sunday 3 August 2008

Desaru Pengerang Long-Distance Triathlon - Saturday 18 October 2008

Weekend Rides 'N Runs

2008-01-25T09:42:00.000+08:00

Sam the Man says: -

"Folks

The ride on Saturday is to Hulu Langat and the Dam.

The route will include Peres Hill where we U turn and go back down the hill and then go to the Dam (by the waterfall) for some breakfast or refreshment. We will then return the same way (minus the hill). The distance for those coming from PJ will be around 140k. Fyi next week, we’ll be going back to PD.

Meet at Mega Mall exit at 0610 or at traffic lights next to police station in Hulu Langat at 0650.

Please let me know if you plan to come along at what point you will join the ride. Cheers.

Sam"

Simon says: - "Blimey, a bit of an early start for a medium distance ride! Oh well ay, what to do! I'll be there! As for Sunday's run I'm on an easy week this week so it'll be a 21k only for me starting from Bukit Aman carpark at 6:30 to (and around) the petrol station in Sri Hartamas and back. The following two Sundays though will be 42k runs i.e. two laps of the above".

FTAAA 2008 Calendar

2008-01-24T12:02:00.000+08:00

13 April - Polis Run, KL

20 April - Power Run, Dataran Merdeka

4 May - Bomba Run, Dataran Merdeka

18 May - World Asthma Day Run

25 May - RMAF 21km, Sungai Besi

6 July - Siemens Run, Dataran Merdeka

2 Nov - Genting Trailblazer

Chin Woo Biathlon 2007 - Results

2008-01-22T16:47:00.000+08:00

Winners:

Swim 300m - Run 2,000m
Boys under-12, Wong Jun Keat - 13:49
Girls under-14, Aida Nadzirah bt Mohd Zain - 15:25

Swim 500m - Run 5,000m
Boys 13-18, Keith Sian Kien Yoong - 30:29

Swim 800m - Run 7,000m
Men 19-29, Barry Lee - 40:48
Men 30-44, Iwata Takatoshi - 41:02
Men >44, Lee Woon Khow - 47:50
Women 21-35, Teoh Sue Ling - 53:59
Women >36, Carmen Leong - 52:22

Click here for the full results.

News

2008-01-22T12:34:00.000+08:00

Tribob will be shortly announcing a series of 3 Sprint triathlons to be held at different locations in Singapore in 2008. Details coming soon.

KL International Marathon Circuit Runs will be held on 27th January (this Sunday), 24th February and 9th March - all at the Lake Gardens, KL. Run as many 2.3km laps as you can in 1h15m, 2h15m and 3h30m for runs 1, 2 and 3 respectively (Marathon category). The times for shorter categories are accordingly shorter.

The Lombok Triathlon will be held on 26 October 2008. Organised by Singapore-based Tribob. Click here for details.

The Bidor Half Marathon will be held on 27 April 2008. Click here for details.

Registration for the Hoi An Triathlon (Vietnam) will open on 1 February 2008.

PowerBar Featured Athlete - Roslizawati bt Rasidi

2008-01-22T12:06:00.001+08:00

From powerbar.com.my

After a tele-conversation with Roslizawati, she shares some facts on her that we never know before:-

Tell us what inspired you to start active in sport?
When I looked at my father’s portrait during his younger time, he was very tough person and very active in sports. Because of that, I transfer it to myself by being active in sports and I love testing my limit, especially in extreme sports that requires high intensity and strong endurance.
Brief us on the latest news about you
Currently I got knee injury for both of my knees, my left even worst. I have to forgo 2007 calendar and starts back next year.

InsyaAllah…Actually, I just came back from Merdeka de’ Everest project 2007, where 6 Malaysian climbers have successfully conquered top of the world, Mount Everest. Due to this injury, I had lost chance to represent duathlon for Sea Games, which I dreamt of since I had no longer representing national after quitting from national hockey.

Besides, I had been selected to represent Malaysia for 2011 Everest project and now working hard to make my dream comes true.
Hometown: Taiping, Perak
DOB: 14 May 1983
Favourite thing about training:
I like to feel the thrill and suffer from my training session and of course, the sweat makes me looks fresh!
Favourite thing about competition:
Every time when there is competition, I can’t wait to challenge myself after all the hard work I had spent along my training.
Dislike about competition:
I hate of getting sudden-fever when competition is around the corner. I hate when organizers takes things easy when competition/race happened such as bad management and empty promises. I hate when people under estimate my ability.
Favourite POWERBAR Product/ flavour
My favorite PowerBar product is PowerBar Triple Threat, chocolate peanut flavor.
Biggest obstacle / challenge overcome to date:
Vanish the word “I can’t repeat my successes” in my mind!! It kills my positive-thinking, it tarnish my ambition and brings me to the emergence of “negative thinking”.
Favourite leisure activities (beside sport) / hobbies:
Surf internet and sleep…
One fact no one knows about Roslizawati:
When people look at me, they might say I am a tough and rough girl, but actually vice versa.

I am also kind of schematic person when doing training because I do not know how to cheat my training program. If I plan to do 21km run, I will finish it by hook or by crook without thinking of my injury and I don’t care of surrounding such as raining day. This actually scares me.. :)
Website link/ email:
roslizawati_2@yahoo.com
Favourite Inspirational quote:
I have to control and conquer myself before I plan to conquer and overcome anything else…:) always believe that!

PowerBar Team Elite press conference 2008

2008-01-22T11:57:00.000+08:00

From pipot.com, Monday, January 21, 2008

Definitely the best Team Elite press conference launch ever. Held in PJ Hilton last Friday. I can see PowerBar invested a lot for this event and also the team this year. A total of 40 athletes they sponsor this year. Thats a lot...

-National top Ironman (Wong Ah Thiam, L) with national top duathlete (Shahrom Abdullah, R)

-National walker Shahrulhaizy

Stephanie Chok

Wong Ah Thiam

Hairul Azwar & Isma P2K (used to be W2R)

-Mat Gunung!! This dude went up Everest TWICE!!!

-Wit the national cyclists : Loh Sea Keong, Ahmad Haida Letua, Anuar Manan Letua, Suhardi Hassan

-With champions : Teoh Boon Lim (Korat gold medal walker, Ngew Sin Mei (Korat silver medal triplejump), Lee Hup Wei (Korat gold medal high jump)

Japanese School Fun Aquathlon - 2 Feb 2008

2008-01-19T08:16:00.000+08:00

Announcing...

The 1st Aquathlon FUN race at the Japansese School (JSKL)

Date - Saturday 2 February 2008
Time - 8am to 11.45am (see below)
Entry Closing Date - Friday 25 January 2008
Entry Fee - none (free of charge)
Prizes - none (just a FUN race!)
Venue - West Pool and track at JSKL, near Saujana, Subang.
Organisers - Iwata Takatoshi, Inoue Tomoo & Fukunaga Tooru

Categories (All mixed - men & women)

P1 & 2 - Swim 50m, Run 500m

P3 & 4 - Swim 100m, Run 1,000m

P5 & 6 - Swim 200m, Run 1,500m

JHS - Swim 300m, Run 2,000m

16yrs + - Swim 400m Run 3,000m

P = Primary
JHS = Junior High School

How to Enter:

Email the following information to inouetomoo@jskl.edu.my

Name
Sex (M/F)
Age
Class/Form (for Primary or JHS students)
Category
Telephone No.

Enquiries - call Mr. Iwata 012 2184130 or Mr. Inoue 017 6943980.

Schedule

08:00 - Registration
09:15 - 16yrs+ race (pleas stay and support later races!)
10:00 - P1&2 race
10:20 - P3&4 race
10:45 - P5&6 race
11:10 - JHS race
11:45 - Results and Close

RIDE & RUN ALERT - Sat 19th & Sun 20th

2008-01-17T12:13:00.000+08:00

Sam the Man says: -

"Folks

I know it’s the Great Eastern 30k run on Sunday but we still need to do a long ride on Saturday (only 4 long rides left excluding CNY).

The ride will be to Banting, Morib, Sepang, Salak and return. For those coming from PJ/Mont Kiara, the distance is around 200k. If some of you prefer a slightly shorter ride, you can turn back at Banting.

The first drink stop will be at the Petronas station 9k before Banting and the breakfast stop will be in Sepang. This is after 2/3rd of the distance so please make sure you have some early breakfast or have some energy bars (or 5 banana muffins!) to keep you going.

Meet at Mega Mall exit on the Federal Highway at 0600, Cheras 2nd toll at 0640 or at Shell station opposite Country Heights at 0700. Please let me know if you plan to join the ride and at which meeting point. Cheers.

Sam

PS If you know of other riders who are planning to join us, please let me know."

Simon Says: -
"In fact it's a 210k ride to be specific. I'll meet you at Mega Mall at 6:00"

Saturday PD Ride

2008-01-15T13:32:00.000+08:00

At the request of Azwar and Bacin, this weekend we'll be heading to PD for a relatively steady and shorter ride in view of the GE 30 km run happening on Sunday. Details as follows:

Date: Saturday 19 January

Time and Place: Push off from MTDC Bangi at 0715. Please be punctual. The earlier we start, the earlier we get back, more time to recover before running.

Route: MTDC Bangi - Salak Tinggi - Sepang - Lukut - PD - Lukut - Sepang - Salak Tinggi - MTDC Bangi

Distance: +/- 120 km

RV points: Sepang (refill), Lukut (regroup), PD (makan), Sepang (refill)

Extra notes from Bacin:

1) Whoever wants to PB the GE 30km run is advisable not to follow ride.

2) Ride is compulsory for CSC team members who will be doing IM Langkawi if you want your contracts to be renewed. Whoever does not turn up will be punished with a French kiss from Bacin... Hahahahahah, just kidding. No, really...

12 Jan Ride

2008-01-09T12:26:00.000+08:00

Date: Saturday, 12 January 2008

Time and Place: 0730 push-off from Taman Warisan Car Park

Route: Taman Warisan - Putrajaya - Dengkil - Banting - Morib - Bagan Lalang - Sepang - Salak Tinggi - Bangi - Putrajaya - Taman Warisan

Distance: +/- 150 km

Ride Description: Predominantly flat with one dimple just after Salak Tinggi

Stops: Petronas Banting, Shell Sepang, Petronas Bangi

I know it's a little soon after Thursday's run-focused brick, but feel free to turn up for the ride if you feel like it.

Triathlon Glossary Links

2008-01-09T11:58:00.000+08:00

I've added several links to Triathlon Glossaries on the right.

KLIM 08 Registration

2008-01-09T08:57:00.000+08:00

The KL International Marathon registration form is now available on the official website. You can also register during the upcoming GE Pacesetters 20/30km run at Lake Gardens on 20 January, from 8am to 11.30am.

Categories for this race are 42.2, 21.1, 10, 7 and 3km.

Online registration is not yet available.

Rides N Runs

2008-01-08T08:07:00.000+08:00

Sam the Man Says: -

"Hi Folks

Thursday

It’s a holiday on Thurs so there is an extra mid-week ride. Destination will be the T junction just beyond Ijok (on the road to Kuala Selangor via Sungai Buloh). The turning point will be at the junction with the road from Klang (Route 5). It’s a fairly flat road so it will be good aero-bar practice for those doing Langkawi. The distance will be around 100k-120k depending on your starting point. There will only be a drink stop at Petronas Ijok after the U turn. Breakfast for those who want can be back in Taman Tun or Damansara.

Meet at Kota Damansara toll (after the barrier) at 0645.

Saturday
The ride will be to PD (circa 200k) with the usual meeting points and times.

Mega Mall exit off Federal Highway at 0600, Cheras 2nd toll at 0640 and Shell station opposite Country Heights at 0700.

For both rides, please let me know if you plan to come along at what point you intend to join the ride. Cheers.

Sam"

Simon Says: -

Thursday Bike
The wrong side of town for me so I'll probably do the Hulu Langat, Seminyih, Kajang loop with a bit extra thrown in - probably the Perez Hill and then an out and back from Seminyih to Broga. Maximum 120k. Timing will be 7:15 at the Hulu Langat traffic lights by the police station. If you're planning to come let me know and I'll look out for you.

Saturday Bike
I'll be riding with Sam as above and will meet him at Mega Mall at 6:00.

Sunday Run
Route: Bukit Aman to Sri Hartamas and back (including loop round the petrol station)
Distance: 21k.
Start Time: 6:15 a.m.
Meeting point: Bukit Aman carpark, Lake Gardens.
Extras: Additional 4-5k at the end if anyone is up for it.

Sunday PCC Ride

2008-01-04T16:44:00.001+08:00

Sunday Road Ride: Batang Berjuntai (110km)

Date: 6^th Jan 2008

Time: 7.00am SHARP

Start/ End: Centrepoint, Bandar Utama

Route: Centrepoint-K Damansara-Sg Buloh-Ijok-Btg Berjuntai-Kg Kuantan-Kg Jawa-Ijok-Guthrie Corridor-Kg Subang-K Damansara-Tropicana-Centrepoint

Ride Description: Flat all the way. Smoke free. All hills are mere pimples. For correct description, call PK!

Please call PK at 016-666110 for more information.

Ride smart and have a safe ride!

Putrajaya Brick

2008-01-04T16:07:00.000+08:00

Date : 10 January 2008 Awal Muharram (Thursday)
Time : 6:30AM
Venue : Masjid Putrajaya

Menu : 50K bike + 20K run (emphasize on run this time ... MUST COMPLETE)

Estimate finish time : Just b4 12noon (I hope)

Jauhari Johan Juarai Sriwijaya Triathlon 2007

2008-01-04T12:24:00.000+08:00

PALEMBANG, KOMPAS- Pelari asal Sumsel Jauhari Johan menjuarai Sriwijaya Triathlon 2007 di nomor perseorangan putra yang digelar di Palembang, Sumatera Selatan, Minggu (30/12) dengan catatan waktu 1 jam 1 menit 55 detik. Jauhari berhasil mengalahkan juara bertahan tahun lalu Chan Way Yong dari Malaysia yang meraih catatan waktu 1 jam 2 menit 51 detik.

Juara ketiga juga diraih oleh atlet Malaysia Salom bin Abdulah dengan catatan waktu 1 jam 3 menit 32 detik. Di nomor perseorangan putri, juara pertama diraih Agata Rana dari Surabaya dengan catatan waktu 1 jam 24 menit 4 detik. Juara kedua direbut Anisa Arsita dari Palembang dengan waktu 1 jam 30 menit 58 detik, dan juara ketiga oleh Agustina dari Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin, Sumsel dengan waktu 1 jam 33 menit 14 detik.

Sriwijaya Triathlon 2007 mengambil start di danau buatan Ogan Permata Indah (OPI) dengan jarak 750 meter, dilanjutkan dengan balap sepeda sejauh 20 kilometer, dan lari sejauh lima kilometer sampai finis di halaman Benteng Kuto Besak. Nomor perseorangan diikuti 50 peserta putra dan 11 putri, sedangkan di nomor beregu diikuti 30 regu yang seluruhnya dari Sumsel.

Sayangnya panitia kurang mengantisipasi keramaian lalu lintas di jalur yang dilewati peserta. Akibatnya selain terjadi kemacetan dan menyulitkan peserta yang tertinggal, sempat terjadi tabrakan antara sepeda yang dinaiki peserta dan warga yang juga sedang mengendarai sepeda.

Sriwijaya Triathlon 2007 (Palembang, Indonesia)

2008-01-04T12:18:00.000+08:00

From sofiantriathlete...

Met Mr Chan at Lake Gardens this morning. They just came back from Palembang where M'sian triathletes came in 2nd (Eugene), 3rd (Awea) and 4th to 6th (new triathletes being groomed by CCS).

Media reports are here and here

The winner was Jauhari Johan. I first new him in 1994 when as an 11 year old he took part in the Phuket Triathlon. He is a certainty for the SEA Games Gold in Triathlon but he took part in the 10 km and Marathon instead it seems.

Bintan Triathlon Registration

2008-01-04T09:18:00.000+08:00

Registration for the 2008 Bintan Triathlon is open! Click on the link to visit the official website.

5-6th Rides n Runs

2008-01-02T17:39:00.000+08:00

Sam the Man says: -

"Hi Folks

The Saturday ride this week is to Bentong. We will then we go a bit further to a junction about 7k beyond Bentong where we will U-turn and return to Bentong for breakfast. This will be a circa 160-170k ride for those starting in PJ.

Meet at Sri Hartamas (opposite True Fitness) at 0600, at the Mobil station on Jalan Kuching (just before the turn-off to Batu Caves) at 0620 and at the lights (at the beginning of the road to Genting Sempang) at 0645. Please let me know if you plan to join the ride and at which point you intend to join.

For those running on Sunday, I am aiming to do 25k (Sri Hartamas plus one loop of the park) leaving at 0615. Cheers.

Sam"

Simon says: - I will probably be starting from Joo Ngan's in Ampang at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday for the ride if anyone wants to join in there.

As for the run I'll be there but won't do more than 21k and maybe less depending on my poor old foot.

Broga Ride

2008-01-02T13:10:00.000+08:00

To bring in the new year, a request has been made to return to the mountains after a couple of weeks of steady flat-road riding.

Date: Saturday, 5 January 2008
Time and Place: 0730 sharp push-off from Batu 14 Dewan
Route: Broga Classic i.e. Batu 14 - Batu 18 - Tekala - Semenyih - Broga - Lenggeng - Bukit Tangga - Klawang - Perez - Batu 18 - Batu 14
Distance: +/- 150 km
Stops: Minimal to simulate IM conditions. Refill at Broga. Refill at Klawang.

Come one, come all. The more, the merrier

Happy New Year people.

Sunday PCC Ride

2007-12-27T19:30:00.000+08:00

Sunday Road Ride: Nice And Breezy Ride to Janda Baik (60km)

Date: 30^th Dec 2007

Time: 7.30am

Start/ End: Hospital Orang Asli, Gombak

Route: Hospital Orang Asli, Genting Sempah R&R, Janda Baik, Genting Sempah R&R, Hospital Orang Asli

Distance: Approx 60km

Ride Description: A gradual climb up to Genting Sempah, where we regroup. Then we blast 4km down until the turning right into Janda Baik where it starts to roll abit. We'll refill at the food stall there and then we climb back to Genting Sempah and rocket back down to Hospital Orang Asli.

Please call Vong at 016-287 2066 for more information.

tri.my

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Transition Tips: part 2 of 4

Ironman China Gathers International Interest

Ironman Malaysia: Ah Thiam may miss World Championship

Ah Thiam books ticket to world meet

Malaysian Athlete Ironman Results

Faris is the Sultan of Sweat, Granger outruns Van Vlerken in Malaysian heat

Ironman Malaysia Roundup

Ironman Malaysia: Faris, Belinda rule Langkawi

Faris Wins Langkawi Ironman

Favourites Win In Langkawi

Top female triathletes say right strategy is key to victory

Ironman Malaysia 2008 Achieves Highest Participation Thus Far

Germany’s Faris confident of winning start to season

Another Stellar Field In Langkawi

Powerman Malaysia 2008

Quality Field Despite Fewer Pros

Faris & Belinda For Langkawi

2008 Calendar Updates

Swasta perlu bantu Ironman

Weekend Ride & SBR Session

Kimbeley Yap's Blog

ITU Tips

Langkawi Pro Lineup

Langkawi Ironman 2008 - Video

CNY Training

Faris and Lieto add more zing to Langkawi Ironman

Overwhelming Response For Ironman Malaysia 2008

Triathlon / Langkawi Ironman: Le Floch, Nicole won't defend titles

Malaysia's "Ultraman" Powers His Way Into Book Of Records

Upcoming Rides

Singapore Sprint Series

Now, you don’t need a big pool to keep fit

Triathlete not setting targets for her Ironman debut there

Weekend Training

Race Announcements