Ironman Malaysia Champions recap their day

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.

Ironman China Gathers International Interest

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.

Faris & Belinda For Langkawi

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.

Swasta perlu bantu Ironman

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.

Langkawi Pro Lineup

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

Faris and Lieto add more zing to Langkawi Ironman

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

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

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.

Triathlete not setting targets for her Ironman debut there

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.

Coming Soon...

...to an island not too far away...

Inaugural Ironman & 70.3 China 2008

Just in case you didn't know, there's another new race in the region that's just been added to the 2008 calendar. A joint Ironman and 70.3 race on Hainan Island on 20 April. Click on the pic for the official website...

Fiona Lim Kona Result

Malaysia's one and only Iron-dentist Fiona Lim just finished the Ironman World Championship race in Kona, Hawaii, in 13:20:26.

Well done Fiona!

....Kona Update....

a 5.2 mile run split for Doc Fiona has appeared! 1h02m since she finished the bike ride. Seems like a long time, but great news that she's still going!

Latest on Fiona Lim in Kona

Here's the latest live timing on Fiona Lim, about 40 mins after the first woman finished. There's no time for the first 5.2 mile run split, so she could be a DNF ?? - but simply qualifying for the Kona race is something that most will never achieve!

Go to www.ironmanlive.com for live athlete tracking. Dr. Fiona is bib no. 1367.