Langkawi to serve as battle ground for professional triathletes to earn slots for world championships
06 Oct 2023 09:17am
Picture for illustrative purposes - FILE PIX
Asia Region Ironman Group director CG Lim said the Asia Pacific Ironman 70.3 which is being held in Langkawi for the first time, will offer six slots - three in the men’s professional category and three in the women’s professional category - for the World Championships.
"Actually we were trying to host the Asia Pacific Ironman 70.3 back in 2020 but the plan had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now since the championships is being held here in Langkawi, the Island will become a well known destination for Ironman races and Langkawi will gain good recognition.
"In the championships on Saturday, 19 professional men and nine professional women triathletes will compete for the six slots in the world championships. We can say that participation for the championships this year has been very encouraging," he told reporters here today.
Apart from the six slots which will be the main attraction for the championships, the Ironman 70.3 will also offer cash prizes worth USD$75,000 (RM350,000) to winners who participate in three routines comprising a 1.9km swim, cycling (90km) and a (21.1km) run.
Meanwhile, Amelia Watkinson from New Zealand, a seasoned campaigner in the sport of Ironman and who has won first and second place in the Ironman Cairns, Australia Asia Pacific Championships in 2020 and 2021 said the heat and humidity in Langkawi are part of the challenge, but it feels close to home.
"The course is exciting, fast and flat, but it is more challenging and engaging for me. I hope I can finish the tournament safely and everyone can enjoy the beauty of Langkawi," she said - BERNAMA
