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

Powerman Malaysia 2008

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

Duathlon: Versatile Mariana eyeing a golden debut

Mariana (344) leading Analiza Dysangco (345) and Kimbeley Yap (346)
in the first 11km run leg of Powerman Malaysia 2007

BOOSTED by a superb showing in the Malakoff Powerman Malaysia duathlon in Seri Manjung, Perak, on Sunday, Mariana Mohammad (pic) is set for a golden debut in the Korat Sea Games next month.

Mariana finished ahead of her Southeast Asian rivals -- Analiza Dysangco of the Philippines and Jeanette Wong of Singapore -- in the Malakoff Powerman Malaysia duathlon despite suffering from severe stomach cramps.

She came in fourth in Seri Manjung after completing the 11km run-64km bike-10km run course in three hours, 23 minutes and 51 seconds.

But Mariana, a 29-year-old mother of two, is playing down her chances of winning gold in Pattaya, where duathlon will be held, despite being installed as the early favourite.

"I'm going there with no expectations of winning medals other than to do my best and make my country and family proud," said Mariana at a post-Powerman Malaysia press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
A former triathlon participant, Mariana switched to duathlon after learning of the sport's inclusion in the Sea Games.

"I was never very good at swimming so I decided to try the duathlon instead. I started to train really hard this year when I found out it was included in the Sea Games.

"I was determined to compete in the Sea Games and nothing was going to stop me."

Mariana laid down her marker as a serious contender for the Sea Games gold after defeating Analiza to win the Phillipines National Open Duathlon Championships in June.

"Analiza will again be my main rival at the Sea Games. I just need to be able to keep pace with her during the run as she is a better runner while I'm more comfortable on the bike.

"She knows this and will try to open a lead during the first run. I'll have to chase her down on the bike before going flat out on the final run," said Mariana, whose brother Mohamad Heidilee is also in the national triathlon Sea Games team.

The Sea Games event is over a shorter distance than the Powerman Malaysia, consisting of a 10km run-40km bike-5km run course, which Mariana said would be to her disadvantage.

"The shorter distance favours Analiza, as the bike run is shorter. I will just have to work out a proper strategy," she said.

Shahrom Abdullah is Malaysia's leading men duathlon athlete after finishing seventh in the Powerman Malaysia, one spot behind Sea Games favourite Ryan Mendoza of the Philippines.

"I was devastated after the race as I had hoped to come in ahead of Ryan," he said.

Powerman Results

All the results from Sunday's race have now been posted on the Powerman Malaysia website.

World champs Vansteelant and Csomor stamp their marks

SERI MANJUNG: The world champions proved too strong for the rest of the field in the Malakoff Powerman Malaysia 2007 in Seri Manjung yesterday.

The world number one male duathlete, Joerie Vansteelant of Belgium, and the top female, Erika Csomor of Hungary, dominated the 11km run-64km cycling-10km run event from start to finish.

Their efforts were worth US$5,000 each.

Vansteelant, who was the runner-up to his late brother, Benny, last year, fulfilled his determination to keep the title in the family by setting a new record of 2'39:49 – a good five minutes ahead of the pack.

“My thoughts were on Benny during the second half of the race and I just gave it all I had. The crowd were really supportive and I found a final burst of speed,” he said.

Dutchman Armand van der Smissen finished second in 2'45:14 and Canadian Luke Dragstra was third in 2'45:49.

Crispine Onyango (002) leads eventual winner Joerie Vansteelant (001), Ryan Mendoza (013) and Rob Woestenborghs (012) during the first 11km run leg.

World Champion Vansteelant crosses the finish line.

Malaysia’s Shahrom Abdullah and Wong Ah Thiam finished seventh and eighth respectively in 3'00:08 and 3'11:53.

“This year’s course is much tougher than last year but I’m happy to have bettered my placing from ninth to seventh,” said Shahrom, a member of the Malaysian duathlon squad for the Korat SEA Games next month.

The women’s race was more closely fought and defending champion Csomor's decision to come early to prepare paid off handsomely – winning the race in 3'07:39.

“I know that the heat can be my biggest problem and I got in more training in local weather. The field was tough but the others did not have the advantage of training here,” said the Hungarian.

Michelle Parsons of Britain was second in 3'09:09 followed by Hungarian Reka Brassay in 3'11:31. It was a repeat of last year's finishing order.

Malaysia’s Mariana Mohamad, also a member of the SEA Games squad, finished fourth in 3'23:51.

Duathlete Shahrom aims to better his world rankings

National duathlete Shahrom Abdullah is aiming to improve on his world rankings when he competes in the Malakoff Powerman Malaysia duathlon championships in Lumut on Nov 11.

The 28-year-old Kelantanese, who is ranked among the top 100, will race in the company of top contenders, including world number one Joerie Vansteelant of Belgium.

“I probably would have been ranked higher if I had participated in more ranking events,” said Shahrom, who will represent Malaysia in duathlon at the SEA Games next month.

Duathlon, a run-bike-run event, will make its Games debut in Pattaya.

“I had initially tried for the better known triathlon but swimming is not my strength. The duathlon is very much suited to my abilities in cycling and running,” said Shahrom, who was a member of the national mountain bike team for the 2001 KL SEA Games.

Shahrom’s first major event in duathlon was the 2002 Malaysian Malakoff Series and he went on to claim the overall title.

“It was an unexpected win, as I was new to the sport, but I knew I’d found the sport for me,” he said.

More than 560 international and local athletes will participate in the 11km run-64km bike-10km run event in Lumut.

Besides Shahrom, SEA Games-bound duathlete Mariana Mohamad and triathlete Kimbeley Yap will also be among the competitors.

Duathlon: World class field to compete

MALAYSIA’S Shahrom Abdullah, Mariana Mohamad and Kimbeley Yap will be up against a world class field in the Malakoff Powerman Malaysia 2007.

The event, to be held on Nov 11 in Seri Manjung, Perak, will see more than 560 participants, including over 200 duathletes from abroad.

The run-bike-run multi-sport event consists of a 11km run-64km bike-10km run, and offers a prize purse of RM132,000.

As duathlon will make its debut in the Korat SEA Games, duathletes from Southeast Asia will use Malakoff Powerman Malaysia 2007 to gauge their performance prior to the games.

Shahrom Abdullah, the sport’s local strongman of many years, is gearing up to contend with a field that includes International Triathlon Union Duathlon World Champion Joerie Vansteelant of Belgium, and the Philippines’ top duathlete, Ryan Mendoza.

Shahrom and Ryan are expected to slug it out for Southeast Asian supremacy, barring surprises from less fancied competitors.

“I will be training in Kuantan to get away from the constant questions on what are my medal prospects for the Sea Games. The right frame of mind is as important to winning as physical training,” Shahrom said.

World champion Joerie Vansteelant said the race route is fast, but the heat, humidity and fierce competition would be a big challenge.

Mariana Mohamad, Malaysia’s top ranked female duathlete, will be representing the country at the Sea Games with Stephanie Chok.

The 29-year-old mother of two, finished fifth in last year’s Malakoff Powerman Malaysia race and will be aiming to better her finish against an even stronger international field.

Mariana’s brother, Heidilee Mohamad, will also be part of the Sea Games squad but will be sitting out the Malakoff Powerman Malaysia due to injury.

Kimbeley Yap, triathlon gold medallist at the last Sea Games, will be competing as preparation for the Korat event.

“Although there is no swimming leg, the Powerman duathlon will be an excellent race for me to raise my running and biking speed. I need strong competition to go faster,” the final-year student at the Bukit Jalil Sports Academy said.

Duathlon: World No.1 Csomor back to defend women’s crown

World number one Erika Csomor of Hungary will be back to defend her title in the women's elite category in the Malakoff Powerman Malaysia 2007 Duathlon championships in Lumut on Nov 11.

Csomor clocked 3'06:13 to clinch the crown in Lumut last year. Michelle Parsons of England finished second on 3’07:59 while Reka Brassay of Hungary was third after clocking 3’14:03.

Belgium's world number one Benny Vansteelant won the men's crown last year. He passed away in September following a road accident.

This time, Joerie Vansteelant is the favourite for the men's title. He is the current world number one.

More than 560 participants, including Malaysians, will be vying for honours. A total of RM132,000 in prize money is up for grabs in the various categories.

Shahrom Abdullah and Heidlee Mohamed will be leading Malaysia's challenge in the men's category. Mariana Mohamed, who finished a creditable fifth last year, and Stephanie Chok Kui Eng will be Malaysia's strong challengers in the women's category. All four are preparing for the Korat SEA Games in December.

Shahrom said the race would be an ideal warm-up before the Games.

“There is a lack of competition in the country and the Malakoff Powerman gives me the opportunity to race against the best athletes,” said Shahrom at the launch of the event yesterday.

The duathlon involves an 11km run, a 64km bike race and then another 10km race. There will be three categories contested - individual (11km run-64km bike-10km run), Malakoff Power Relay (11km run-64km bike-10km run) and Malakoff Sprint Duathlon (5.5km run-32km bike-5km run).

Powerman Poll

Who do you think will win Powerman in Seri Manjung on 11 Nov?

You can vote in the polls on the right. For athlete details click here, or visit the official Powerman website.

Good luck!

Kimbeley in need of more money for Beijing bid

By S. SIVABALAN of The Star

Top national woman triathlete Kimbeley Yap will be requesting for more funds from the BG Group to prepare for the World Cup series events in her bid to qualify for the Beijing Olympics next year.

The reigning SEA Games triathlon champion was selected by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) as one of the eight recipients of the BG Group Scholarship Project last December.

The US$10,000 scholarship was used by Kimbeley for training and preparation for this year’s World Cup series season.

It is, however, insufficient for the entire season. Kimbeley has had to use her own money as well as to rely on her family.

“I really appreciate the funding which I received this year because it helped me prepare for the races. The two organisations were happy with the way I spent the money,” said Kimbeley. “Since it’s a one-year scholarship, I have to re-apply and the closing date is Nov 24.

“I will request for more money since the funds are not enough for the entire year. I have had to come up with my own money and my mom chipped in too.

“But I need to talk to my coach James Turner before deciding on the amount to request for based on next year’s race schedule, which is not out yet.”

Kimbeley is expected to compete in about 10 races next year in her bid to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

“I plan to compete in six Asian Cup races and three or four World Cup races next year. The funds will be used for these races. I will know by Christmas if my scholarship is approved.”

Meanwhile, Kimbeley is hoping to take part in the Powerman series in Lumut on Nov 11 to prepare for the Korat SEA Games in December.

“I am on a break after competing in the Hong Kong triathlon last month and I will resume full training in two weeks. I want to compete in the sprint event (750m swim, 20km cycling and 5km run) in Lumut as a tune-up,” she said.

“I have to make a special request to the organisers since I am not eligible to compete in the sprint event.”

Powerman Lumut Confirmation

Dear Racers and Friends,

The race you all have been looking forward to is ON. POWERMAN Malaysia will see a new race start at the Majlis Perbandaran Manjung stadium, in Seri Manjung just before Lumut town on a Sunday morning, 11^th November 2007. We would like to thank our title sponsors MALAKOFF for their long-standing support of this event and also our co-sponsors PowerBar, Brooks and Thule. We would also like to thank Majlis Perbandaran Manjung for being the venue sponsor.

Welcome back all you regular supporters and we welcome all the new multi-sport athletes to Powerman. We aim to make this an un-forgettable duathlon for you.

RACE INFORMATION

DATE : Sunday, 11 November 2007

VENUE : Majlis Perbandaran Manjung stadium, Seri Manjung, PERAK (4 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur)

RACE DISTANCES :

POWERMAN Malaysia - 11km run / 64km bike / 10km run

MALAKOFF Power Relay - 11km run / 64km bike / 10km run

MALAKOFF Sprint Duathlon – 5.5km run / 32km bike / 5km run

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REGISTRATION

For those who have registered and paid, thank you very much and please ignore this section.

ENTRY FEE includes:
> Race t-shirt
> Goodie bag
> Isotonic & water during race
> AWARDS lunch (after the race at 1pm)
> Finisher medal**
> Finisher shirt**
> Finisher certificate**

** Finisher Certificate, Medal and Finisher shirt will only be awarded to Individual Long Distance participants who finish within the stipulated time of 5 hours.

ONLINE ENTRY : http://www.powerman.com.my/registration.html

CLOSING DATE for Entries is Wednesday 24th October 2007, 12pm. ALL Entries received after 24 October 2007 will be charged a LATE ENTRY FEE of RM20 on top of normal entry fees.

If you would like your NAME to be on your RACE NUMBER, please make sure you register and pay by 24 October 2007.

PAYMENT OPTIONS :

CASH - paid to Quick Release Adventures,

1, Jalan SS4B/10, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Tel: (603) 7873 0788

CHEQUE - made out to QUICK RELEASE ADVENTURES

BANK IN - RHB BANK*

Swift code: RHBBMYKL

Bank Address: 11-15 Jalan SS24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Account Name : QUICK RELEASE ADVENTURES

Account Number : 2 - 12200 - 0002225 - 0

*Photocopy of Bank in / TT Slip needs to be faxed to us at (603) 7873 1788 with your name and contact number written on it

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TRANSPORT from Singapore to POWERMAN Malaysia 2007

Travel Schedule:
- Depart Singapore 11pm Friday, 09 November 2007.
- Depart Lumut Perak 4pm Sunday, 11 November 2007.

For bookings or enquires, please contact:
Mr. Jonathan Pereira ( Singapore )
email: jonathanpereira76@yahoo.com.sg
contact number: +65 9654 9737

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RACE SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, 3^rd NOVEMBER 2007

(Venue TO BE CONFIRMED)

12pm - 5pm

RACE KIT COLLECTION
All participants need to collect their race kit. Please check that names and details are correct on the racer list on the notice board during race kit collection. Please bring your IC or passport along for identification.

SATURDAY, 10^th NOVEMBER 2007

(Venue TO BE CONFIRMED)

10am - 5pm

TIMING CHIP COLLECTION
All participants will be required to bring RM50 along for the race timing chip. Please note that this is refundable. Upon completion of race, please head to race secretariat to return the chip and collect your deposit.

5.30pm - 6.30pm
RACE BRIEFING (COMPULSORY)
All participants need to attend the Race Briefing by our Race Director.

SUNDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2007 Majlis Perbandaran Manjung Stadium, PERAK 6.00am

ARRIVAL / TRANSITION AREA OPENS
All participants need to arrive at Transition area to place bike and gear at respective numbers allotted.

7.15am
CALL TO START LINE for all INDIVIDUAL LONG DISTANCE participants
All INDIVIDUAL LONG DISTANCE participants will be called to the start line.

7.30am
SHARP OFFICIAL RACE START for all INDIVIDUAL LONG DISTANCE participants
All INDIVIDUAL LONG DISTANCE participants will start the race at 7.30am sharp.

7.32am
CALL TO START LINE for all TEAM RELAY participants (1st runner only)
All TEAM RELAY participants will be called to the start line.

7.40am
SHARP OFFICIAL RACE START TEAM RELAY
All TEAM RELAY participants will start the race at 7.40am sharp.

7.42am
CALL TO START LINE for all SPRINT participants
All SPRINT DISTANCE participants will be called to the start line.

7.50am
SHARP OFFICIAL RACE START SPRINT
All SPRINT DISTANCE participants will start the race at 7.50am sharp.

12.30pm
RACE CUT OFF

1.00pm
AWARDS LUNCH
There will be an awards lunch for all participants followed by Prize Giving.
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ACCOMMODATION

Please check our website for the list of hotels within race start. There is only one hotel within walking-distance which is Lead View. However, for those who are bringing their families along for the trip, we recommend the hotels in Lumut which is about 9km away.

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Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to write us or you may also check the website at www.powerman.com.my

We from Quick Release Adventures would like to wish our muslim friends Selamat Hari Raya and we look forward to seeing you all at POWERMAN Malaysia 2007.

Sincere regards,

Melody