Sarawak out to end Selangor’s 12-year domination

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

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

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

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

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

A'Famosa results are out! Click here.

Vesak Long Weekend Rides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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