Putrajaya, Malaysia (April 3, 2015) – The TIME IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya is all geared up and ready to run into its second consecutive year with a line up of world class international pro athletes leading this Sunday’s race.
During an official professional athlete press conference held earlier this morning, pro athletes set for this year’s edition were joined by Geoff Meyer, CEO of IRONMAN Asia Pacific, along with Hon. Dato' Rogaizat Abdullah - Vice President, Corporate Services, Putrajaya Corporation, Mr. Tony Nagamaiah – General Manager of Malaysia Major Events and Mr. WF Lee - Chief Entreprise Officer of TIME dotCom Berhad.
With approximately 1,400 participants expected to grace Putrajaya this weekend, CEO of IRONMAN Asia Pacific, Geoff Meyer said “we are delighted to be heading into our second year here in Putrajaya and having TIME dotCom Berhad as our title sponsor has really cemented our continued growth and success here in Malaysia”.
“We are also excited with the increase in Malaysian participants for the race this year. It is evident that there’s a fast growing interest in the region which is also why we have decided to host a duathlon to help the grassroots prepare themselves and get inspired to embark on more serious races like the 70.3 edition, hopefully next year!” continued Meyer.
“We have participants from 55 countries gearing up for Sunday here in the beautiful city of Putrajaya. We would have not been able to have had such an great city venue if not for our amazing partners at Putrajaya Corporation, and Malaysia Major Events”, ended Meyer.
The race is set to take place in a new venue this 2015 within Putrajaya at the Anjung Floria located in Precinct 4. Participants and supporters can enjoy the ambiance at the Royal Floria Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival, filled with beautiful green scenery and an aesthetically unique Seri Saujana Bridge as the backdrop for the swim start and finish.
Hon. Dato' Rogaizat Abdullah - Vice President, Corporate Services, Putrajaya Corporation expressed his excitement at being seeing the event being held for the second time in Putrajaya.
“With our wide spaced roads, pedestrian walks and scenic view, Putrajaya provides one of the best landscapes for an event of this caliber. With the starting and finishing of the race happening at Anjung Floria Putrajaya in Presint 4, I was informed by the organizer that this year’s edition of the race will explore new grounds within Putrajaya and therefore, we are excited to see what Putrajaya and TIME IRONMAN Putrajaya 70.3 has to offer this year.”
Professional athletes on the panel for a Q&A were, Craig Alexander (AUS), Rebekah Keat (AUS), Josh Amberger (AUS), Amelia Rose Watkinson (NZL), Fredrik Croneborg (SWE) and Parys Edwards (GBR).
Malaysians and audiences from the world over can expect to see the five-time IRONMAN World Champion (and course record holder for the IRONMAN World Championship) Craig Alexander and Australia all-star triathlete Rebekah Keat headlining this year’s race.
Alexander shared his excitement for returning to Malaysia once again and coming in as the official ambassador for a second time. “There’s always amazing energy here in Malaysia. It’s good to be back not just as ambassador like last year, but as a competitor. Putrajaya really is remarkable, the road surface is just beautiful and it’s rare to be racing within a city course so I am really looking forward to it”, said Alexander.
“It is going to be a tough race for me with the heat and humidity but I am ready to give it my best!” assured Craig ‘Crowie’ Alexander.
Rebekah Keat, who will be racing in Malaysia for the first time, shared how thrilled she was to be racing in a tropical city “The roads are looking great and I can’t wait to check out the bike course today!” As for concerns with the weather, Keat said “Australians should really be climatized and familiar. I’ve been training in the South of Queensland, the weather has been similar, maybe some differences in the humidity but with the right hydration and focus it shouldn’t be too much of a problem” ended Keat.
Also on the pro panel was Parys Edwards of the UK who has been in Asia the past 8 weeks. “I’m quite attuned to the weather. I grew up in Africa so the heat is similar. I’m just predicting a tough run with the humidity but I’m excited and looking forward to racing this weekend!” said Edwards.
As a professional seasoned triathlete Edwards advised first timers to “Always stick to the plan of your race. There’s a tendency to get over excited. Be conservative with energy, lock in your time plans and maintain race pace!”.
Thrilled to be racing for the first time as well is New Zealander Amelia Rose Watkinson, “the courses look amazing. It’s hot, but the fact that it’s so beautiful here just makes up for it!” said Watkinson.
Thailand based Swede Fredrick Croneborg is hoping to improve his placing from last year’s edition. “It’s going to be a competitive race. We’ve got a great start list here. I am really looking forward to it.
I put a lot of thought on how I’m going to map this out compared to last year and I’m exited for Sunday,” said Croneborg.
Lastly on the panel was Josh Amberger of Australia. The young triathlete will be racing for the first time in Malaysia. “I’ve been here to Malaysia on a holiday a few years back. Being here again in such an immaculate city was a good choice I’ve made and I’m happy about it. I’ve been training hard and 70.3’s are my favourite to do. In Australia trainings are tough and they teach you to grit your teeth so I hope this Sunday is going to be great for me!” said Amberger.
TIME IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya is proud to have Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel, PowerBar, Brooks, Rudy Project, 100Plus, F&N Ice Mountain, GH Speedbikes, Compressport, Prima Odyssey Travel & Tours and Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur to partner and support the 2015 edition of the race.
Race Day starts Sunday April 5 at 7:15am. Catch all the actions via @IRONMANLive.
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