PUTRAJAYA: Top triathletes from Asia will be vying for valuable Olympic qualification points at the Asia Triathlon Cup Putrajaya here on Feb 25.
The event, which is also the first leg of the Asia Triathlon Cup series this year, will be held at the Putrajaya Water Sports Complex in Precint 6.
The race, organised by Eventure Global on behalf of Malaysia Triathlon (MT), will use a sprint format featuring a 750m swim, 20km of cycling and a five kilometre run.
Among the notable names that will compete include men's Asian No 10. Kyotaro Yoshikawa of Japan, China duo Fan Junjie (No. 11) and Wang Nanhe (No. 14) as well as Hong Kong's Bailee Brown (women's No. 6).
National triathlete Isaac Tan will carry the nation's hopes during the competition.
Competition is expected to be fierce as qualification for the Paris Olympics moves into the business end. The qualification window ends in May.
The Asia Triathlon Cup Putrajaya launch was officiated by Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias in here today.
Malaysia Triathlon Association president Tony Tan said hosting the tournament in Putrajaya will benefit Malaysian triathletes.
"This initiative allows Malaysian athletes the chance to compete against higher-ranked elites without having to travel abroad.
"Malaysia is set to host up to three Asia Triathlon Cup events this year. Another event is planned for Kampar in July though has yet to be listed on the Asia Triathlon Calendar."
A local triathlon competition, 113 Series Putrajaya, will also be held concurrently with the Asia Triathlon Cup Putrajaya and is expected to attract over 500 competitors across various age groups and formats.
