25/02/2003
MALAYSIAN Ironman Dr Fiona Lim and Mohamed Razani Husain swam, cycled and
ran the race of their lives in the Ironman Langkawi Malaysia on Sunday to
qualify for the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii, Kona, in October.
While Fiona had raced in Hawaii in 2001, Razani, who will be making his
debut in the World Championships, is still in two minds about the offer.
"I also finished first among the Malaysians in the 2002 Langkawi Ironman
and was given a slot in Hawaii, but I could not find enough sponsors to
take part. This year, I am in discussion with Tenaga Nasional Bhd, and
hopefully, I will seal an agreement and have enough money to take part in
the World Championships," said Razani.
Fiona, a dentist based in Kota Kinabalu, is only five feet tall and one
will not notice her on the street, but inside, she is made of steel.
"I was never involved in sports during my schooling years and dedicated
my time to studies. It was the same in medical college. But when I turned
27, I had a sudden urge to test my endurance level and I started taking
part in mountain biking and swimming.
In the end, I decided to test my limit and tried the Langkawi Ironman
for the first time in 2001 and was the best Malaysian woman finisher.
After that, I just got hooked to the sport and yesterday (Sunday) was
the third time I finished first among the Malaysian women and it's very
satisfying, said Fiona, 33, and still single.
Fiona clocked 12:26:12 while Razani had a time of 10:37:29. The best
Malaysian finisher in the professional category was Sharom Abdullah who
clocked 11:28:21. In the 25-29 age-group category, Malaysian Jasmi Sarael
received the ticket to Hawaii with his time of 10:48:08.
All four Malaysians are considered to have reached a milestone because
the world champion, Luc van Lierde, described Langkawi as the Toughest
Ironman course in the World.
(END)
Showing posts with label IRONMAN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IRONMAN. Show all posts
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Rhodes poised for third title
23/02/2003
JUST two days ago, Langkawi was a quiet and tranquil place, seeing as it
is the off-peak season.
But everything changed yesterday as 417 health freaks descended on the
island and started swimming, cycling and running. The activity was non-
stop.
But as the Ironman 2003 Langkawi buntings and banners fluttered in the
breeze, tension among the triathletes was reaching fever pitch.
The overall number of competitors has grown to 412 with hosts Malaysia
having a 97-strong contingent, mostly made up of Armed Forces personnel.
The triathletes live a Spartan life, which abhors smoking and the
consumption of alcohol, but when it comes to meal times, every triathlete
can consume a quarter of a horse. It is strictly lights out at 8pm at the
official hotel.
During a photo session for the 34 professional woman and men triathletes
yesterday, one athlete wondered out loud who would be the champion this
year?
Two-time Langkawi Ironman champion Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand answered
tongue-in-cheek: "I don't know, but I know for sure that all those present
today (yesterday) will be finishing behind me!"
Rhodes clocked a blistering 8:43:54 in his maiden outing in 2001 for the
title, and last year, he lowered it to an unbelievable 8:10:35 in a race
which requires one to finish a 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycle route and a
42.2km run inside 17 hours.
Since Rhodes is confident of completing a hattrick even with former
World No 1 Luc van Lierde in the race, the only question remaining is
whether he will be able to dip below the magical eight-hour mark which has
only been achieved by two triathletes around the world, and one of them is
van Lierde.
The women's race will feature all three former Langkawi champions -
Susan Peter of Australia (2000), Belinda Cheney of Australia (2001) and
Danielle Florens of Mauritius (2002).
Susan and Belinda have made remarkable recoveries from major injuries.
Susan suffered a broken back while Belinda was paralysed while pursuing
their passions.
Total prize money for the Langkawi Ironman is US50,000 (RM190,000).
Winner of the men's category gets RM32,000 while the women's pockets
RM32,000.
(END)
JUST two days ago, Langkawi was a quiet and tranquil place, seeing as it
is the off-peak season.
But everything changed yesterday as 417 health freaks descended on the
island and started swimming, cycling and running. The activity was non-
stop.
But as the Ironman 2003 Langkawi buntings and banners fluttered in the
breeze, tension among the triathletes was reaching fever pitch.
The overall number of competitors has grown to 412 with hosts Malaysia
having a 97-strong contingent, mostly made up of Armed Forces personnel.
The triathletes live a Spartan life, which abhors smoking and the
consumption of alcohol, but when it comes to meal times, every triathlete
can consume a quarter of a horse. It is strictly lights out at 8pm at the
official hotel.
During a photo session for the 34 professional woman and men triathletes
yesterday, one athlete wondered out loud who would be the champion this
year?
Two-time Langkawi Ironman champion Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand answered
tongue-in-cheek: "I don't know, but I know for sure that all those present
today (yesterday) will be finishing behind me!"
Rhodes clocked a blistering 8:43:54 in his maiden outing in 2001 for the
title, and last year, he lowered it to an unbelievable 8:10:35 in a race
which requires one to finish a 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycle route and a
42.2km run inside 17 hours.
Since Rhodes is confident of completing a hattrick even with former
World No 1 Luc van Lierde in the race, the only question remaining is
whether he will be able to dip below the magical eight-hour mark which has
only been achieved by two triathletes around the world, and one of them is
van Lierde.
The women's race will feature all three former Langkawi champions -
Susan Peter of Australia (2000), Belinda Cheney of Australia (2001) and
Danielle Florens of Mauritius (2002).
Susan and Belinda have made remarkable recoveries from major injuries.
Susan suffered a broken back while Belinda was paralysed while pursuing
their passions.
Total prize money for the Langkawi Ironman is US50,000 (RM190,000).
Winner of the men's category gets RM32,000 while the women's pockets
RM32,000.
(END)
Rhodes out for history
22/02/2003
TWO-TIME champion Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand is sporting a bottle-blonde
look in his attempt to create history in the Langkawi Ironman Triathlon
tomorrow.
Other than the dye, nothing else was pretentious about the Kiwi as he
spoke earnestly about his bid to land a hat-trick of titles, and maybe
better his 2002 time of 8:10:35. The only worry he had was that this race,
unlike the last two which he won, did not fall on his birthday which is
Jan 28.
"It will be difficult to achieve my target, but that is what the Ironman
is all about. I have been training well since Christmas for this race, and
I feel good enough to land my hat-trick in Langkawi," said Rhodes
yesterday.
The presence of former world champion Luc van Lierde in Langkawi this
year does not worry Rhodes, but instead, he is looking forward to scalping
the Belgian.
"I have beaten European champion Lothar Leder twice in Langkawi, so I am
not worried about the opposition. I will be very happy if I can land van
Lierde's scalp this year as a trophy because he was the best in the world
until injuries floored him over the last two years," said Rhodes.
Rhodes led from start to finish in the last two Langkawi Ironman races
but feels it will be difficult to predict the outcome until he emerges
from the 3.8km swim, which is his strongest event.
"The organisers have made it more difficult for me by changing the swim
and biking route. But I believe if I can emerge out of the water first,
maybe with a two-minute cushion, I have a good chance of winning my hat-
trick. But it would be difficult to break the eight-hour barrier in
Langkawi," said Rhodes.
In his bid to create history, Rhodes will miss the New Zealand Ironman
which will be held a week after the Langkawi race.
"I had to give up my home race because I wanted to concentrate all my
training for Langkawi. And if on race day, all is well, it will be hard to
catch me," he said.
Rhodes was not so lucky at the Ironman World Championships in Kona,
Hawaii, last year where he had to withdraw during the marathon because of
influenza and stomach cramps.
"I trained for six months in the United States for the Hawaii Ironman
and was second out of the water and placed 10th in the cycling segment but
during the marathon, the flu got worse and I suffered stomach cramps,
forcing me to withdraw," said Rhodes.
But Langkawi has been a fruitful hunting ground for the Kiwi, and it
will come as a big surprise if he is not at the top of the podium after
eight hours tomorrow.
(END)
TWO-TIME champion Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand is sporting a bottle-blonde
look in his attempt to create history in the Langkawi Ironman Triathlon
tomorrow.
Other than the dye, nothing else was pretentious about the Kiwi as he
spoke earnestly about his bid to land a hat-trick of titles, and maybe
better his 2002 time of 8:10:35. The only worry he had was that this race,
unlike the last two which he won, did not fall on his birthday which is
Jan 28.
"It will be difficult to achieve my target, but that is what the Ironman
is all about. I have been training well since Christmas for this race, and
I feel good enough to land my hat-trick in Langkawi," said Rhodes
yesterday.
The presence of former world champion Luc van Lierde in Langkawi this
year does not worry Rhodes, but instead, he is looking forward to scalping
the Belgian.
"I have beaten European champion Lothar Leder twice in Langkawi, so I am
not worried about the opposition. I will be very happy if I can land van
Lierde's scalp this year as a trophy because he was the best in the world
until injuries floored him over the last two years," said Rhodes.
Rhodes led from start to finish in the last two Langkawi Ironman races
but feels it will be difficult to predict the outcome until he emerges
from the 3.8km swim, which is his strongest event.
"The organisers have made it more difficult for me by changing the swim
and biking route. But I believe if I can emerge out of the water first,
maybe with a two-minute cushion, I have a good chance of winning my hat-
trick. But it would be difficult to break the eight-hour barrier in
Langkawi," said Rhodes.
In his bid to create history, Rhodes will miss the New Zealand Ironman
which will be held a week after the Langkawi race.
"I had to give up my home race because I wanted to concentrate all my
training for Langkawi. And if on race day, all is well, it will be hard to
catch me," he said.
Rhodes was not so lucky at the Ironman World Championships in Kona,
Hawaii, last year where he had to withdraw during the marathon because of
influenza and stomach cramps.
"I trained for six months in the United States for the Hawaii Ironman
and was second out of the water and placed 10th in the cycling segment but
during the marathon, the flu got worse and I suffered stomach cramps,
forcing me to withdraw," said Rhodes.
But Langkawi has been a fruitful hunting ground for the Kiwi, and it
will come as a big surprise if he is not at the top of the podium after
eight hours tomorrow.
(END)
Susan `back' to torment rivals
22/02/2003
WHAT do you call someone who broke her back 12 months ago, but is running
fit enough to take part in the grueling Langkawi Ironman marathon on
Sunday?
Meet the women's 2000 Langkawi Ironman champion Susan Peter who is among
the rare breed who believe in punishing her body for the sake of sport,
and doesn't let a broken back stand in the way.
The primary school teacher from Australia looks like any ordinary
scholar, but has an iron will and will stop at nothing after getting
hooked to the sport in 1998.
"I was cycling as usual in Adelaide when a car hit me from behind and I
broke my back. It took me 12 months to heal from the injury and in my
first race after recovering in August last year, I finished fourth in
Korea," said Susan.
Susan took a test-run of the course yesterday and was very happy with
what she saw.
"The course has been changed a little to make it tougher, but I liked
what I went through yesterday because it will not group the triathletes
together and there is a better chance to break away especially in the
cycle event.
"The weather has also been very cool and cloudy since I came to Langkawi
and that will help me very much. But since there are about six good women
triatletes this year, it will be touch and go," said Susan.
This year's women's race is also special because all three past
champions have entered for it.
Susan won in 2000 with a time of 9:55:17; in 2001 the champion was
Belinda Cheney of Australia who clocked 9:44:12. Last year, Danielle
Florens of Mauritius clocked a slow 10:29:36 for the title.
(END)
WHAT do you call someone who broke her back 12 months ago, but is running
fit enough to take part in the grueling Langkawi Ironman marathon on
Sunday?
Meet the women's 2000 Langkawi Ironman champion Susan Peter who is among
the rare breed who believe in punishing her body for the sake of sport,
and doesn't let a broken back stand in the way.
The primary school teacher from Australia looks like any ordinary
scholar, but has an iron will and will stop at nothing after getting
hooked to the sport in 1998.
"I was cycling as usual in Adelaide when a car hit me from behind and I
broke my back. It took me 12 months to heal from the injury and in my
first race after recovering in August last year, I finished fourth in
Korea," said Susan.
Susan took a test-run of the course yesterday and was very happy with
what she saw.
"The course has been changed a little to make it tougher, but I liked
what I went through yesterday because it will not group the triathletes
together and there is a better chance to break away especially in the
cycle event.
"The weather has also been very cool and cloudy since I came to Langkawi
and that will help me very much. But since there are about six good women
triatletes this year, it will be touch and go," said Susan.
This year's women's race is also special because all three past
champions have entered for it.
Susan won in 2000 with a time of 9:55:17; in 2001 the champion was
Belinda Cheney of Australia who clocked 9:44:12. Last year, Danielle
Florens of Mauritius clocked a slow 10:29:36 for the title.
(END)
Valentine's Day gift for Ironman
15/02/2003
AFTER courting Tenaga Nasional Bhd for the past three years, Ironman
Langkawi Malaysia Triathlon finally got the much-awaited `yes' on
Valentine's Day yesterday.
Another windfall for the Ironman race, on Feb 23, was when Edaran
Otomobil Nasional (EOM) joined in with 11 cars, while RTM signed to become
their official broadcaster.
"We have been in touch with the utility giants Tenaga Nasional Bhd for
the past three years and today (yesterday) we finally received their
backing to make the Ironman race much stronger," said Langkawi
International Marathon Sdn Bdh president Datuk Sri Ram Sarma.
Meanwhile, wheelchair-bound triathletes have also signed up for
gruelling race. Randy Caddle of the United States will compete in a
wheelchair in the 3.8km swim, cycle for 180km and 42.2km marathon.
The other disabled athlete is Sarawakian Mahathir Ejin Dating who will
attempt to become an Ironman by finishing the race under 17 hours.
(END)
AFTER courting Tenaga Nasional Bhd for the past three years, Ironman
Langkawi Malaysia Triathlon finally got the much-awaited `yes' on
Valentine's Day yesterday.
Another windfall for the Ironman race, on Feb 23, was when Edaran
Otomobil Nasional (EOM) joined in with 11 cars, while RTM signed to become
their official broadcaster.
"We have been in touch with the utility giants Tenaga Nasional Bhd for
the past three years and today (yesterday) we finally received their
backing to make the Ironman race much stronger," said Langkawi
International Marathon Sdn Bdh president Datuk Sri Ram Sarma.
Meanwhile, wheelchair-bound triathletes have also signed up for
gruelling race. Randy Caddle of the United States will compete in a
wheelchair in the 3.8km swim, cycle for 180km and 42.2km marathon.
The other disabled athlete is Sarawakian Mahathir Ejin Dating who will
attempt to become an Ironman by finishing the race under 17 hours.
(END)
Petsy still strong at 59
01/02/2003
PETSY Yap from Kuala Lumpur completed the Ironman Langkawi triathlon in 16
hours and 30 minutes last year. Barely crossing the line 31 minutes before
the doors closed on those vying for certificates.
Nothing to shout about, unless one takes into consideration that she was
58 years old and swam 3.8kms, cycled 180.2kms and ran 42.2kms for the
Ironman certificate.
Petsy is back for this year's race on Feb 23 and broke a record even
before breaking sweat as she, at 59, is the oldest woman triathlete to
register.
And the pint-size Petsy's only regret is that she might not be able to
better her time because a road accident three months ago robbed her of
valuable training time.
"I was cycling when a motorcyclist knocked into me. I had a deep cut on
my right knee and could not train for more than a month.
"I was very fortunate not to break any bones because at my age, it is
harder for bones to heal well," said said Petsy who is still single.
But even the road accident couldn't stop Petsy, who has been working at
the American Embassy as a secretary for the last three decades, from
competing in the gruelling event.
"The accident interrupted my training programme so I do not think I will
be able to clock a better time this year.
Petsy will not be challenging any of the woman participants, but racing
against the clock to finish under 17 hours to receive recognition as an
Ironman.
Petsy trains about two hours after work and on weekends spends more than
four hours.
"Among the three disciplines, I prefer running as you can train anywhere
but swimming is my weakest point especially in the open sea," said Petsy.
Meanwhile, defending man and woman champions Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand
and Danielle Florens of Mauritius, who completed the circuit in 8:10.35
and 10:29.36 last year, will be down to defend their titles.
Entries closed yesterday and the last to register were from the Armed
Forces.
Eighteen men from Squadron 21 Commando will be among the local
participants in the triathlon which has attracted a total of 368
triathletes.
(END)
PETSY Yap from Kuala Lumpur completed the Ironman Langkawi triathlon in 16
hours and 30 minutes last year. Barely crossing the line 31 minutes before
the doors closed on those vying for certificates.
Nothing to shout about, unless one takes into consideration that she was
58 years old and swam 3.8kms, cycled 180.2kms and ran 42.2kms for the
Ironman certificate.
Petsy is back for this year's race on Feb 23 and broke a record even
before breaking sweat as she, at 59, is the oldest woman triathlete to
register.
And the pint-size Petsy's only regret is that she might not be able to
better her time because a road accident three months ago robbed her of
valuable training time.
"I was cycling when a motorcyclist knocked into me. I had a deep cut on
my right knee and could not train for more than a month.
"I was very fortunate not to break any bones because at my age, it is
harder for bones to heal well," said said Petsy who is still single.
But even the road accident couldn't stop Petsy, who has been working at
the American Embassy as a secretary for the last three decades, from
competing in the gruelling event.
"The accident interrupted my training programme so I do not think I will
be able to clock a better time this year.
Petsy will not be challenging any of the woman participants, but racing
against the clock to finish under 17 hours to receive recognition as an
Ironman.
Petsy trains about two hours after work and on weekends spends more than
four hours.
"Among the three disciplines, I prefer running as you can train anywhere
but swimming is my weakest point especially in the open sea," said Petsy.
Meanwhile, defending man and woman champions Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand
and Danielle Florens of Mauritius, who completed the circuit in 8:10.35
and 10:29.36 last year, will be down to defend their titles.
Entries closed yesterday and the last to register were from the Armed
Forces.
Eighteen men from Squadron 21 Commando will be among the local
participants in the triathlon which has attracted a total of 368
triathletes.
(END)
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Rare breed of men need to be nurtured
29/01/2002
ONE has to be crazy to complete the Ironman Langkawi Malaysia in a time of
eight hours, but that possibility is now being explored by triathletes
from all over the world.
And thanks to New Zealander Bryan Rhodes, who clocked a blistering
8:10:35 on Sunday in the 3.8km swim, 180km cycling event and 42km
marathon, Langkawi is now a must-compete leg on the road to the World
Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
But there is a sad part to the furious past set by the Kiwi, because now
the possibility of seeing a Malaysian at the top of the podium has become
a hazy dream.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who presented medals to
the top three finishers, said: "It would be nice if a Malaysian could win
the triathlon in the near future."
But judging from the results of the Malaysian entries, the near future
might be about 10 years down the line.
The best Malaysian finisher was Razani Husain and even his time of
9:55:11s was a good two hours behind Kiwi Rhodes. And all the top ten
triathletes completed their race inside of nine hours.
But Razani and fellow Malaysians who finished the race are a rare breed
of men, because not many Malaysians would want to punish their body to
such a level only to be called Ironman, and return home with a certificate
of completing he race.
The large number of Malaysians who finished this time also showed a
marked improvement because about 80 foreign triathletes did not even
manage to finish the race in the stipulated 17 hours.
The last to touch the finishing tape was Japanese Takatoshi Yamagata,
who clocked 16:57:44s.
Malaysian Ironman Dr Fiona Lim, who clocked 12:31:59, even beat a large
number of male entries from Malaysia and abroad. The dentist by profession
trains three hours a day after work to keep fit, but not many of her
counterparts have the luxury and time like her.
Most of the Malaysian triathletes met in Langkawi cited the same reason
for their poor finish - the lack of funds and training venues to sharpen
their will.
That is why the organisers, Langkawi Ironman Endurance Marathon Sdn Bhd
(Liem) are contemplating setting up an Ironman association to look after
this special breed of people.
But until then, the Malaysian triathletes will have to look after
themselves, and don't blame any of them for clocking poor times.
Organisational wise, the Ironman Langkawi was a huge success for the
Legendary Island of Mahsuri because most of the big hotels in town did
roaring business during the event and flights out were as difficult to
book as finishing the Ironman Langkawi in eight hours.
Malaysian Results: Razani Husain 9:55:11s, Kohing Antak 11:23:56, Abdul
Khalib Zakaria 11:24:15, Marcus Teoh 11:45:04, Zulkifli Samsudin 12:09:03,
Rozani Iamail 12:14:39, Dr Fiona Lim 12:31:59, Ariffin Nopharimi 12:43:36,
Ramuyan Talit 12:44:02, Mat Ali Ismail 13:07:49, Ashar Zakaria 13:11:36,
Baharuddin Ismail 13:20:56, Anthony John Lopez 13:25:01, Jeffry Mujah
13:30:30, Chang Min Chew 13:32:07, Che Mansor Khamis 13:37:41, Abdul
Rashid Daud 13:51:55, Alan Tiang Promsuwan 14:31:41, Teck Beng Chow
14:39:24, Ramli Nayan 14:45:36, Nadia Johan Lim 15:12:19, See Keong Moh
15:14:07, Sze Man Yee 15:15:39, Alan Scott 15:29:40, Hong Chai Lee
15:37:44, Hin Toong long 15:44:34, Tah Ming Tan 15:52:26, Abdul Halim
Jantan 15:53:28, Patsy Kim Neo Yap 16:30:45, Francis Chai 16:31:04, Sofian
Ismail 16:34:52, David Lee 16:40:36.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)
ONE has to be crazy to complete the Ironman Langkawi Malaysia in a time of
eight hours, but that possibility is now being explored by triathletes
from all over the world.
And thanks to New Zealander Bryan Rhodes, who clocked a blistering
8:10:35 on Sunday in the 3.8km swim, 180km cycling event and 42km
marathon, Langkawi is now a must-compete leg on the road to the World
Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
But there is a sad part to the furious past set by the Kiwi, because now
the possibility of seeing a Malaysian at the top of the podium has become
a hazy dream.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who presented medals to
the top three finishers, said: "It would be nice if a Malaysian could win
the triathlon in the near future."
But judging from the results of the Malaysian entries, the near future
might be about 10 years down the line.
The best Malaysian finisher was Razani Husain and even his time of
9:55:11s was a good two hours behind Kiwi Rhodes. And all the top ten
triathletes completed their race inside of nine hours.
But Razani and fellow Malaysians who finished the race are a rare breed
of men, because not many Malaysians would want to punish their body to
such a level only to be called Ironman, and return home with a certificate
of completing he race.
The large number of Malaysians who finished this time also showed a
marked improvement because about 80 foreign triathletes did not even
manage to finish the race in the stipulated 17 hours.
The last to touch the finishing tape was Japanese Takatoshi Yamagata,
who clocked 16:57:44s.
Malaysian Ironman Dr Fiona Lim, who clocked 12:31:59, even beat a large
number of male entries from Malaysia and abroad. The dentist by profession
trains three hours a day after work to keep fit, but not many of her
counterparts have the luxury and time like her.
Most of the Malaysian triathletes met in Langkawi cited the same reason
for their poor finish - the lack of funds and training venues to sharpen
their will.
That is why the organisers, Langkawi Ironman Endurance Marathon Sdn Bhd
(Liem) are contemplating setting up an Ironman association to look after
this special breed of people.
But until then, the Malaysian triathletes will have to look after
themselves, and don't blame any of them for clocking poor times.
Organisational wise, the Ironman Langkawi was a huge success for the
Legendary Island of Mahsuri because most of the big hotels in town did
roaring business during the event and flights out were as difficult to
book as finishing the Ironman Langkawi in eight hours.
Malaysian Results: Razani Husain 9:55:11s, Kohing Antak 11:23:56, Abdul
Khalib Zakaria 11:24:15, Marcus Teoh 11:45:04, Zulkifli Samsudin 12:09:03,
Rozani Iamail 12:14:39, Dr Fiona Lim 12:31:59, Ariffin Nopharimi 12:43:36,
Ramuyan Talit 12:44:02, Mat Ali Ismail 13:07:49, Ashar Zakaria 13:11:36,
Baharuddin Ismail 13:20:56, Anthony John Lopez 13:25:01, Jeffry Mujah
13:30:30, Chang Min Chew 13:32:07, Che Mansor Khamis 13:37:41, Abdul
Rashid Daud 13:51:55, Alan Tiang Promsuwan 14:31:41, Teck Beng Chow
14:39:24, Ramli Nayan 14:45:36, Nadia Johan Lim 15:12:19, See Keong Moh
15:14:07, Sze Man Yee 15:15:39, Alan Scott 15:29:40, Hong Chai Lee
15:37:44, Hin Toong long 15:44:34, Tah Ming Tan 15:52:26, Abdul Halim
Jantan 15:53:28, Patsy Kim Neo Yap 16:30:45, Francis Chai 16:31:04, Sofian
Ismail 16:34:52, David Lee 16:40:36.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)
`Ironman' Rhodes does it again
28/01/2002
BRYAN Rhodes from New Zealand did the unthinkable yesterday when he
defended the Ironman Langkawi Malaysia Triathlon title in a record time.
Rhodes, the defending champion, set a blistering new mark of 8:10:35s in
the 3.8km swim, 180km cycling race and the 42km marathon.
And waiting at the finish line in Dataran Lang was Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamed to garland the Kiwi who led from start to finish
in the grueling race.
Rhodes, who won the race on his birthday last year with a record time of
8:43:54s, sliced an amazing 33 minutes this year. Lothar Leder of Germany,
who is among a handful who have dipped below the eight-hour barrier in
triathlon, finished third with a time of 8:26:00s.
The surprise package of the day was Australian Jason Shortis who
finished second with a time of 8:24:42s.
"I am flabbergasted with the win because it is very difficult to defend
an ironman title, what more in humid conditions," said Rhodes.
Modest words from a man who predicted the night before the race that he
will better his old mark by 10 minutes at least. But on race day, he
slices 33 minutes.
"I didn't kick off very well and during the runs I had problems with
cramps and struggled at some parts of the race but I kept going because I
was determined to defend my title," said Rhodes who will celebrate his
29th birthday today.
Hot on his pursuit was Jason Shortis of Australia but he could only
reach the finish line 14 minutes after the New Zealander.
At the finish line, he paid tribute to a friend back home who trained
with him everyday to prepare fort he event.
"I dedicate this win to my friend in Australia who helped me prepare for
this event, without his help, I could not have done it," said Shortis.
Leder, who toasted his placing with a pint of beer at the finish line,
said the fast time will encourage more triathletes to come to Langkawi.
"Triathletes love a fast circuit and now that Rhodes has shown the world
that he can do it in eight hours and 10 minutes, I believe more Ironman
enthusiasts will come to this beautiful Island next year.
Leder then turned to Rhodes and invited him for the German leg of the
triathlon so that he can make an attempt to dip below eight hours. Rhodes
hesitated and then said that his next mission is to do well in the New
Zealand leg on March 2.
In the women's professional section, Danielle Florens from Canada was
the fist finisher but her time was a poor 10:29:36 while Beate Kliendienst
from Germany was second with 10:49:08.
In the special category, Randy Caddell of the United States pulled out
in the swim event itself because he was not feeling well.
Selected Results: Men's Professional category - 1 Bryan Rhodes (NZ)
8:10:35s, 2 Jason Shortis (Aus) 8:24:42s, 3 Lothar Leder (Ger) 8:26:00s, 4
Glen Gore (S Africa) 8:34:53s, 5 Siegi Ferstl (Ger) 8:40:03, 6 Matt
Stephens (Aus) 8:42:52s, 7 Hideya Miyazuka (Jpn) 8:45:23s, 8 Garrett
MacFadyen (Can) 8:48:50.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)
BRYAN Rhodes from New Zealand did the unthinkable yesterday when he
defended the Ironman Langkawi Malaysia Triathlon title in a record time.
Rhodes, the defending champion, set a blistering new mark of 8:10:35s in
the 3.8km swim, 180km cycling race and the 42km marathon.
And waiting at the finish line in Dataran Lang was Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamed to garland the Kiwi who led from start to finish
in the grueling race.
Rhodes, who won the race on his birthday last year with a record time of
8:43:54s, sliced an amazing 33 minutes this year. Lothar Leder of Germany,
who is among a handful who have dipped below the eight-hour barrier in
triathlon, finished third with a time of 8:26:00s.
The surprise package of the day was Australian Jason Shortis who
finished second with a time of 8:24:42s.
"I am flabbergasted with the win because it is very difficult to defend
an ironman title, what more in humid conditions," said Rhodes.
Modest words from a man who predicted the night before the race that he
will better his old mark by 10 minutes at least. But on race day, he
slices 33 minutes.
"I didn't kick off very well and during the runs I had problems with
cramps and struggled at some parts of the race but I kept going because I
was determined to defend my title," said Rhodes who will celebrate his
29th birthday today.
Hot on his pursuit was Jason Shortis of Australia but he could only
reach the finish line 14 minutes after the New Zealander.
At the finish line, he paid tribute to a friend back home who trained
with him everyday to prepare fort he event.
"I dedicate this win to my friend in Australia who helped me prepare for
this event, without his help, I could not have done it," said Shortis.
Leder, who toasted his placing with a pint of beer at the finish line,
said the fast time will encourage more triathletes to come to Langkawi.
"Triathletes love a fast circuit and now that Rhodes has shown the world
that he can do it in eight hours and 10 minutes, I believe more Ironman
enthusiasts will come to this beautiful Island next year.
Leder then turned to Rhodes and invited him for the German leg of the
triathlon so that he can make an attempt to dip below eight hours. Rhodes
hesitated and then said that his next mission is to do well in the New
Zealand leg on March 2.
In the women's professional section, Danielle Florens from Canada was
the fist finisher but her time was a poor 10:29:36 while Beate Kliendienst
from Germany was second with 10:49:08.
In the special category, Randy Caddell of the United States pulled out
in the swim event itself because he was not feeling well.
Selected Results: Men's Professional category - 1 Bryan Rhodes (NZ)
8:10:35s, 2 Jason Shortis (Aus) 8:24:42s, 3 Lothar Leder (Ger) 8:26:00s, 4
Glen Gore (S Africa) 8:34:53s, 5 Siegi Ferstl (Ger) 8:40:03, 6 Matt
Stephens (Aus) 8:42:52s, 7 Hideya Miyazuka (Jpn) 8:45:23s, 8 Garrett
MacFadyen (Can) 8:48:50.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)
Trudging along with Kona on their minds
27/01/2002
THE Ironman Langkawi Malaysia 2002 begins today at Dataran Lang in
Langkawi, but all the 350 participants will be thinking of Kona, Hawaii as
they go through the most grueling race in the world.
Thirty tickets are up for grabs for the Ironman Triathlon World
Championships in Kona, on Oct 19 and it is a big enough carrot to make the
participants salivate, never mind the heat, blisters, cramps, dehydration
and the agony of not completing the race.
Why Kona? For those who are not familiar with the Ironman, Kona is the
culmination of years of training and dedication. It is the ultimate aim of
every triathlete, whose life is spent in pursuit of physical and mental
preparation, to qualify for Hawaii.
However, each year of the 35,000 triathletes who make the attempt, only
an elite 1,500 get a chance to test their endurance and will in Kona.
The Malaysian leg is the curtain raiser and it has attracted some big
names in the men's category with Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand leading the
pack.
Rhodes holds the Langkawi course record, set last year, of 8:43:54 but
the Kiwi swimming instructor is not necessarily the favourite this year,
because in the Ironman race, it is hard to pick a favourite based on past
records.
The winner is usually one who is hungry enough to forget pain and
tiredness and keeps going.
Lothar Leder of Germany, who has broken the eight-hour barrier in the
triathlon, was the favourite last year but Rhodes pipped him to the title
and they will be battling again today in the 3.8km swim, 180km cycling
race and the 42km marathon but nobody will be surprised if someone unknown
from the chasing pack touches the finish line first.
And the early indications among most athletes, after two days of testing
the circuit, is that the course record will definitely be broken by a
clear 10 minutes.
Or so say Leder and Rhodes.
"I have tried the marathon route and it is quite flat compared to last
year. The new route is definitely going to see a faster finish time,
especially for those who are good in the marathon leg," said Rhodes.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)
THE Ironman Langkawi Malaysia 2002 begins today at Dataran Lang in
Langkawi, but all the 350 participants will be thinking of Kona, Hawaii as
they go through the most grueling race in the world.
Thirty tickets are up for grabs for the Ironman Triathlon World
Championships in Kona, on Oct 19 and it is a big enough carrot to make the
participants salivate, never mind the heat, blisters, cramps, dehydration
and the agony of not completing the race.
Why Kona? For those who are not familiar with the Ironman, Kona is the
culmination of years of training and dedication. It is the ultimate aim of
every triathlete, whose life is spent in pursuit of physical and mental
preparation, to qualify for Hawaii.
However, each year of the 35,000 triathletes who make the attempt, only
an elite 1,500 get a chance to test their endurance and will in Kona.
The Malaysian leg is the curtain raiser and it has attracted some big
names in the men's category with Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand leading the
pack.
Rhodes holds the Langkawi course record, set last year, of 8:43:54 but
the Kiwi swimming instructor is not necessarily the favourite this year,
because in the Ironman race, it is hard to pick a favourite based on past
records.
The winner is usually one who is hungry enough to forget pain and
tiredness and keeps going.
Lothar Leder of Germany, who has broken the eight-hour barrier in the
triathlon, was the favourite last year but Rhodes pipped him to the title
and they will be battling again today in the 3.8km swim, 180km cycling
race and the 42km marathon but nobody will be surprised if someone unknown
from the chasing pack touches the finish line first.
And the early indications among most athletes, after two days of testing
the circuit, is that the course record will definitely be broken by a
clear 10 minutes.
Or so say Leder and Rhodes.
"I have tried the marathon route and it is quite flat compared to last
year. The new route is definitely going to see a faster finish time,
especially for those who are good in the marathon leg," said Rhodes.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)
Monday, March 19, 2007
Time for Malaysians to be champion Ironmen
30/01/2001
Triathletes are a special breed of athletes, and some say you have to be
half-crazy to even think of competing in an ironman, and crazy to complete
it in a record time. Words written at the back of a Japanese triathlete T-
shirt sums the crazy situation of the sport: Finishing Second is First
Among The Losers.
The 2001 Malaysia Ironman Triathlon which ended in Langkawi on Sunday
saw a vast improvement in the Malaysian entries with Mohamed Razani Husain
clocking a sizzling 10:31:42 to finish 21st overall in the men's
professional category.
And many at the finish line at Dataran Lang thought that he will be the
last of the 35 malaysians who will breast the tape inside of 14 hours. But
they were soon proven wrong when policeman Zulkifli Shamsudin came in at
11:45:05 followed by six other athletes who dipped below 14 hours in the
gruelling race made tougher by the scorching mid-day island sun.
Malaysian wonderwoman Fiona Lim, who clocked 12:56:24, and Zulkifli
earned themselves a wildcard to the Ironman Triathlon world championship
in Kona, Hawaii on Oct 6 together with 30 other foreign athletes who
clocked top times in their respective age-groups.
Last year, 56 Malaysians took part in the Langkawi ironman and 26
completed the race. This year, only 35 took part and 26 completed the
race.
While the foreign athletes, especially the men's profesional winner
Bryan Rhodes who bettered last year's mark (Kaoru Matsuda, 8:49:12) by
clocking an overall 8:43:54, were in a class of their own, it looks like
Malaysians might catch up with them in the near future.
The weather, for one, is on their side. World number one Lothar Leder of
Germany failed to become the leader, eventhough he is the only man who has
clocked below eight hours in the '96 Ironman Europe, and world's best
woman triathlete Natascha Badmann had a bad day because they could not
cope with the heat and humidity. Defending champions Matsuda and Susan
Peter from Australia also caved in to the heat.
Malaysian competitors should use this as an added advantage in the 2002
ironman in January in Langkawi. But first, they must be serious in their
preparations for the race and train at least a month earlier in Langkawi.
(END)
Triathletes are a special breed of athletes, and some say you have to be
half-crazy to even think of competing in an ironman, and crazy to complete
it in a record time. Words written at the back of a Japanese triathlete T-
shirt sums the crazy situation of the sport: Finishing Second is First
Among The Losers.
The 2001 Malaysia Ironman Triathlon which ended in Langkawi on Sunday
saw a vast improvement in the Malaysian entries with Mohamed Razani Husain
clocking a sizzling 10:31:42 to finish 21st overall in the men's
professional category.
And many at the finish line at Dataran Lang thought that he will be the
last of the 35 malaysians who will breast the tape inside of 14 hours. But
they were soon proven wrong when policeman Zulkifli Shamsudin came in at
11:45:05 followed by six other athletes who dipped below 14 hours in the
gruelling race made tougher by the scorching mid-day island sun.
Malaysian wonderwoman Fiona Lim, who clocked 12:56:24, and Zulkifli
earned themselves a wildcard to the Ironman Triathlon world championship
in Kona, Hawaii on Oct 6 together with 30 other foreign athletes who
clocked top times in their respective age-groups.
Last year, 56 Malaysians took part in the Langkawi ironman and 26
completed the race. This year, only 35 took part and 26 completed the
race.
While the foreign athletes, especially the men's profesional winner
Bryan Rhodes who bettered last year's mark (Kaoru Matsuda, 8:49:12) by
clocking an overall 8:43:54, were in a class of their own, it looks like
Malaysians might catch up with them in the near future.
The weather, for one, is on their side. World number one Lothar Leder of
Germany failed to become the leader, eventhough he is the only man who has
clocked below eight hours in the '96 Ironman Europe, and world's best
woman triathlete Natascha Badmann had a bad day because they could not
cope with the heat and humidity. Defending champions Matsuda and Susan
Peter from Australia also caved in to the heat.
Malaysian competitors should use this as an added advantage in the 2002
ironman in January in Langkawi. But first, they must be serious in their
preparations for the race and train at least a month earlier in Langkawi.
(END)
`Birthday boy' Rhodes gets the biggest cake
29/01/2001
"HELLO! I won mom! yes, I led from the start to finish for my first Iroman
title...what? Yes, It was a great birthday gift for me, mom."
The first thing that Kiwi, Bryan Rhodes, who turned 28 yesterday, did
after winning the Ironman Malaysia Triathlon in Langkawi was call his
mother back home in Wellington because nobody from his family came to
Malaysia to watch him run.
On the other end of the line, mom Wilma was choked with emotion and
could not stop crying for joy: "My mother is my "rock", my pillar of
strenght and I dedicate the race to her," said Bryan.
His joy is understandable because in his 13 years of taking part in the
triathlon, only the land of legendary Mahsuri was kind enough to let him
win eventhough world's best Lothar Leder was hot on his heels the entire
race.
How did he hear about the Langkwai Ironman?
"Well I was reading a magazine and the Ironman advertisement caught my
fancy because the race day coincided with my birthday, even then I had a
lucky feeling in me.
"I came to langkawi to preparre for the World Ironman championships in
Kona, Hawaii but when I heard that Leder had also registered for the
event, my heart sank a little. But today (yesterday) was my 28th birthday
and there was no way that I was going to let anyone else steal the cake
from me."
Rhodes was first out of the water in 48 minutes 45 seconds and from
there onwards he knew that he had it in him to win the race.
"The water was stifling hot and the only thing that kept me going was
that it was my birthday. The only doubt that I had about losing out to
Leder was during the cycling event around the 21km point when my wheel
became loose, I lost some time tightening the wheels but after that it was
smooth sailing for me.
"But the eight water/food points could do with a little bit of sprucing
up because they either did not undersand what we signalled for or the
volunteers there kept getting in my way when I went in for supplies."
"The water that they supplied was also too hot to drink and I almost
vomitted out after taking my first sip. Next year maybe they can improve
on the logistics."
(END)
"HELLO! I won mom! yes, I led from the start to finish for my first Iroman
title...what? Yes, It was a great birthday gift for me, mom."
The first thing that Kiwi, Bryan Rhodes, who turned 28 yesterday, did
after winning the Ironman Malaysia Triathlon in Langkawi was call his
mother back home in Wellington because nobody from his family came to
Malaysia to watch him run.
On the other end of the line, mom Wilma was choked with emotion and
could not stop crying for joy: "My mother is my "rock", my pillar of
strenght and I dedicate the race to her," said Bryan.
His joy is understandable because in his 13 years of taking part in the
triathlon, only the land of legendary Mahsuri was kind enough to let him
win eventhough world's best Lothar Leder was hot on his heels the entire
race.
How did he hear about the Langkwai Ironman?
"Well I was reading a magazine and the Ironman advertisement caught my
fancy because the race day coincided with my birthday, even then I had a
lucky feeling in me.
"I came to langkawi to preparre for the World Ironman championships in
Kona, Hawaii but when I heard that Leder had also registered for the
event, my heart sank a little. But today (yesterday) was my 28th birthday
and there was no way that I was going to let anyone else steal the cake
from me."
Rhodes was first out of the water in 48 minutes 45 seconds and from
there onwards he knew that he had it in him to win the race.
"The water was stifling hot and the only thing that kept me going was
that it was my birthday. The only doubt that I had about losing out to
Leder was during the cycling event around the 21km point when my wheel
became loose, I lost some time tightening the wheels but after that it was
smooth sailing for me.
"But the eight water/food points could do with a little bit of sprucing
up because they either did not undersand what we signalled for or the
volunteers there kept getting in my way when I went in for supplies."
"The water that they supplied was also too hot to drink and I almost
vomitted out after taking my first sip. Next year maybe they can improve
on the logistics."
(END)
Underdogs rule the day
29/01/2001
THE underdogs ruled the day as champions and favourites found the going
too hot at the 2001 Malaysia Ironman Triathlon in Langkawi yesterday.
In the men's professional category, `Birthday Boy' Bryan Rhodes from New
Zealand who turned 28 yesterday, pipped the world's best, and the only man
to have dipped below 8 hours in triathlon, Lother Leder of Germany for the
crown.
Rhodes clocked a total of 8:43:54 in the swim (3.8km), cycle (180.2) and
marathon (42.2km).
"The number 28 has been lucky for me, as today was my 28th birthday and
the race was also on the 28th of January."
Leder followed the Kiwi closely throughout the race but never got a
chance to overtake him and finished second in 8:47:25.
In the women's professional category, Belinda Cheney from Australia
surprised all when she clocked 9:44:12 to beat a tired looking world
champion Natascha Badmann from Switzerland, who clocked 9:57:25.
On the Malaysian front, Mohamed Razani Husain carried the Jalur Gemilang
high when he completed the race in 10:31:42 to become the 21st finisher in
the men's category. Overall he finished 24th because three women overtook
him in the marathon run.
"I had a good feeling throughout the day, but in the second half of the
marathon I started having slight cramps and walked quite a distance before
I could continue running again. If not, I would have met my target of
finishing in 9 hours and 30 minutes," said the first timer in the Ironman.
Razani, who has taken part in numerous half-marathons, said he did not
feel too tired after the race and he never thought about quitting.
"All along the route I kept saying to myself that I have to finish the
race no matter what happened, and I achieved it in good time too.
"Next year I will be better prepared and hope to clock a better time but
I need professional coaching and if possible some monetary help so that i
can train fulltime without worrying about my bread and butter," said
Razani.
Belinda, also a newcomer, won the coveted ticket to Kona, Hawaii on
sheer determination.
"I never thought of winning, not with Natascha in the same race, but
strange things do happen in this endurance sport as I overcame pain and
mental fatigue along the way for a sweet victory."
Champions don't always win in triathlons, and the legendary islands of
Mahsuri is testimony to that.
Results: Swimming - 1 Bryan Rhodes (NZ) 48 minutes 45 seconds, 2 Glen
Gore (S Africa) 48:49, 3 Andrew Robertson (Aus) 51:20, 4 Lothar Leder
(Ger) 51:26, 5 Jane Fardell (Aus) 51:28, 6 Raynard Tissink (S Africa)
51:30, 7 Belinda Cheney (Aus) 51:32, 8 Jamie Patrick (US) 51:35, 9 Jason
Shortis (Aus) 51:37, 10 Matt Stephens (Aus) 52:225, 11 Stephen Farrell
(NZ) 54:59, 12 David Herman (US) 55:11, 13 Alfi Caprez (Swit) 55:13, 14
Kaoru Matsuda (Jpn) 55:17, 15 Matt Koorey (Aus) 55:20.
Cycling - 1 Rhodes 5 hours 36 minutes and 14 seconds, 2 Tissink 5:38:03,
3 Shortis 5:43:54, 4 Garrett MacFadyen (Can) 5:43:55, 5 Leder 5:44:06, 6
Robertson 5:44:58, 7 Stephens 5:47:41, 8 Farrell 5:52:41, 9 Glen Gore (S
Africa) 5:58:41, 10 Caprez 5:58:41, 11 Matsuda 6:05:07, 12 Konrad von
Allmen (Swit), 13 Belinda 6:08:25, 14 Jerome Prigent (Fra) 6:08:32, 15
Florian Balluais (Fra) 6:09:42.
Marathon - 1 Rhodes 3:07:40, 2 Leder 3:03:19, 3 Tissink 3:18:06, 4
Macfadyen 3:14:51, 5 Glen Gore (S Africa) 3:03:26, 6 Robertson 3:40:40, 7
Stephens 3:38:31, 8 Balluais 3:08:44, 9 Von Allmen 3:04:12, 10 Belinda
3:35:47.
Overall men - 1 Rhodes 8:43:54, 2 Leder 8:47:25, 3 Tissink 8:56:08, 4
McFadyen 8:58:45, 5 Gore 9:02:07, 6 Von Allmen 9:12:21, 7 Balluais
9:18:26, 8 Robertson 9:25:38, 9 Stephens 9:26:21, 10 Nobutaka Maki (Jpn)
9:39:47.
Overall women - 1 Belinda 9:44:2, 2 Natascha 9:57:25, 3 Susan Peter
(Aus) 10:26:53, 4 Clara Roldan (Sp) 10:52:24, 5 Florens Daniel (Mari)
10:52:30.
(END)
THE underdogs ruled the day as champions and favourites found the going
too hot at the 2001 Malaysia Ironman Triathlon in Langkawi yesterday.
In the men's professional category, `Birthday Boy' Bryan Rhodes from New
Zealand who turned 28 yesterday, pipped the world's best, and the only man
to have dipped below 8 hours in triathlon, Lother Leder of Germany for the
crown.
Rhodes clocked a total of 8:43:54 in the swim (3.8km), cycle (180.2) and
marathon (42.2km).
"The number 28 has been lucky for me, as today was my 28th birthday and
the race was also on the 28th of January."
Leder followed the Kiwi closely throughout the race but never got a
chance to overtake him and finished second in 8:47:25.
In the women's professional category, Belinda Cheney from Australia
surprised all when she clocked 9:44:12 to beat a tired looking world
champion Natascha Badmann from Switzerland, who clocked 9:57:25.
On the Malaysian front, Mohamed Razani Husain carried the Jalur Gemilang
high when he completed the race in 10:31:42 to become the 21st finisher in
the men's category. Overall he finished 24th because three women overtook
him in the marathon run.
"I had a good feeling throughout the day, but in the second half of the
marathon I started having slight cramps and walked quite a distance before
I could continue running again. If not, I would have met my target of
finishing in 9 hours and 30 minutes," said the first timer in the Ironman.
Razani, who has taken part in numerous half-marathons, said he did not
feel too tired after the race and he never thought about quitting.
"All along the route I kept saying to myself that I have to finish the
race no matter what happened, and I achieved it in good time too.
"Next year I will be better prepared and hope to clock a better time but
I need professional coaching and if possible some monetary help so that i
can train fulltime without worrying about my bread and butter," said
Razani.
Belinda, also a newcomer, won the coveted ticket to Kona, Hawaii on
sheer determination.
"I never thought of winning, not with Natascha in the same race, but
strange things do happen in this endurance sport as I overcame pain and
mental fatigue along the way for a sweet victory."
Champions don't always win in triathlons, and the legendary islands of
Mahsuri is testimony to that.
Results: Swimming - 1 Bryan Rhodes (NZ) 48 minutes 45 seconds, 2 Glen
Gore (S Africa) 48:49, 3 Andrew Robertson (Aus) 51:20, 4 Lothar Leder
(Ger) 51:26, 5 Jane Fardell (Aus) 51:28, 6 Raynard Tissink (S Africa)
51:30, 7 Belinda Cheney (Aus) 51:32, 8 Jamie Patrick (US) 51:35, 9 Jason
Shortis (Aus) 51:37, 10 Matt Stephens (Aus) 52:225, 11 Stephen Farrell
(NZ) 54:59, 12 David Herman (US) 55:11, 13 Alfi Caprez (Swit) 55:13, 14
Kaoru Matsuda (Jpn) 55:17, 15 Matt Koorey (Aus) 55:20.
Cycling - 1 Rhodes 5 hours 36 minutes and 14 seconds, 2 Tissink 5:38:03,
3 Shortis 5:43:54, 4 Garrett MacFadyen (Can) 5:43:55, 5 Leder 5:44:06, 6
Robertson 5:44:58, 7 Stephens 5:47:41, 8 Farrell 5:52:41, 9 Glen Gore (S
Africa) 5:58:41, 10 Caprez 5:58:41, 11 Matsuda 6:05:07, 12 Konrad von
Allmen (Swit), 13 Belinda 6:08:25, 14 Jerome Prigent (Fra) 6:08:32, 15
Florian Balluais (Fra) 6:09:42.
Marathon - 1 Rhodes 3:07:40, 2 Leder 3:03:19, 3 Tissink 3:18:06, 4
Macfadyen 3:14:51, 5 Glen Gore (S Africa) 3:03:26, 6 Robertson 3:40:40, 7
Stephens 3:38:31, 8 Balluais 3:08:44, 9 Von Allmen 3:04:12, 10 Belinda
3:35:47.
Overall men - 1 Rhodes 8:43:54, 2 Leder 8:47:25, 3 Tissink 8:56:08, 4
McFadyen 8:58:45, 5 Gore 9:02:07, 6 Von Allmen 9:12:21, 7 Balluais
9:18:26, 8 Robertson 9:25:38, 9 Stephens 9:26:21, 10 Nobutaka Maki (Jpn)
9:39:47.
Overall women - 1 Belinda 9:44:2, 2 Natascha 9:57:25, 3 Susan Peter
(Aus) 10:26:53, 4 Clara Roldan (Sp) 10:52:24, 5 Florens Daniel (Mari)
10:52:30.
(END)
No favourites in the land of the Ironmen
28/01/2001
THE Ironman Malaysia triathlon 2001 rolls off today and it would be
foolish to place your money on the big names before they come out of the
water at the Dataran Lang jetty.
The men's professional defending champion Kaoru Matsuda from Japan,
Lothar Leder from Germany, who comes with an impressive resume of having
finished third twice in Hawaii in 1998 and 1999, and the women's pros
favourites Susan Peter from Australia and world's top woman triathlete
Natascha Badmann will have to swim, cycle and run like their lives
depended on it to reach the finish line.
This is because almost all the 320 triathletes assembled in Langkawi
have only one goal, and that is to dip below 8 hours and 40 minutes.
And after they emerge from the 3.8km swim, seen as the most gruelling
stage for most Ironmen, a clearer pattern will emerge on the eventual
champions of their respective categories.
Bryan Rhodes from New Zealand, yet to win any Ironman title after four
years of competing, has a special reason to topple champion Matsuda and
Ironman Europe 2000 champion Leder.
"I will be turning 28 tomorrow (January 28) and since the race is also
on the 28th, I hope to celebrate my birthday by reaching the finish line
first," said the Kiwi.
Natascha, who said she would not sleep until her bicycle arrives from
Switzerland, finally went to bed at 10am yesterday when her second bike
arrived in Langkawi. The handle of her bicycle broke while she was in
training on Friday.
The professionals, numbering 24 men and 12 women, are expected to finish
the race ranging from 8-10 hours after the 7.0am start but the rest of the
age group and special athletes are expected to trickle in at around
midnight.
Last year Matsuda clocked 8:49:12 for the title while Susan clocked
9:55:17 for the woman's crown.
As for the Malaysian athletes, Mohamed Razani Hussain is the only entry
in the professional category.
Since it is his first full triathlon, he might find the going tough.
Razani arrived at midnight on Friday and will only have one full day of
training on the island as compared to most foreign triathletes who have
been in Langkawi for the past two weeks.
(END)
THE Ironman Malaysia triathlon 2001 rolls off today and it would be
foolish to place your money on the big names before they come out of the
water at the Dataran Lang jetty.
The men's professional defending champion Kaoru Matsuda from Japan,
Lothar Leder from Germany, who comes with an impressive resume of having
finished third twice in Hawaii in 1998 and 1999, and the women's pros
favourites Susan Peter from Australia and world's top woman triathlete
Natascha Badmann will have to swim, cycle and run like their lives
depended on it to reach the finish line.
This is because almost all the 320 triathletes assembled in Langkawi
have only one goal, and that is to dip below 8 hours and 40 minutes.
And after they emerge from the 3.8km swim, seen as the most gruelling
stage for most Ironmen, a clearer pattern will emerge on the eventual
champions of their respective categories.
Bryan Rhodes from New Zealand, yet to win any Ironman title after four
years of competing, has a special reason to topple champion Matsuda and
Ironman Europe 2000 champion Leder.
"I will be turning 28 tomorrow (January 28) and since the race is also
on the 28th, I hope to celebrate my birthday by reaching the finish line
first," said the Kiwi.
Natascha, who said she would not sleep until her bicycle arrives from
Switzerland, finally went to bed at 10am yesterday when her second bike
arrived in Langkawi. The handle of her bicycle broke while she was in
training on Friday.
The professionals, numbering 24 men and 12 women, are expected to finish
the race ranging from 8-10 hours after the 7.0am start but the rest of the
age group and special athletes are expected to trickle in at around
midnight.
Last year Matsuda clocked 8:49:12 for the title while Susan clocked
9:55:17 for the woman's crown.
As for the Malaysian athletes, Mohamed Razani Hussain is the only entry
in the professional category.
Since it is his first full triathlon, he might find the going tough.
Razani arrived at midnight on Friday and will only have one full day of
training on the island as compared to most foreign triathletes who have
been in Langkawi for the past two weeks.
(END)
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