Lovers go the distance at Samui Triathlon
Ironman Melbourne champion David Dellow of Australia and his Kiwi girlfriend Caroline Steffen completed a clean sweep of the men's and women's titles in the Bt4-million Samui Triathlon on Sunday.
More than 200 competitors from 22 countries including the world’s best 20 triathletes took part in the gruelling 4km swim, 122.65km cycle ride and 30km run. The total distance of 156.65km was reportedly the longest ever in an Asia Pacific triathlon meet.
A duathlon featuring a 40km bike ride and a 10km run was also held on the day. Both races kicked off at the Hansa Hotel beachfront and culminated at Ban Thon in Samui Island.
Dellow, who drew on the experience of last year’s Phuket 70.3 Ironman, led from the first discipline, the 4,000-metre sea swim. The 187-centimetre-tall Aussie, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Samui on Saturday, kept his challengers at bay after leaping onto the bike, then ran the 30km alone for a combined time of six hours, 11.54 minutes.
Second and third went to Germany’s Faris Al-Sultan and Belgium’s Marino Vannhoenacker, who clocked 6:13.15 and 6:14.52 respectively.
The victory at Samui’s inaugural triathlon earned Dellow Bt800,000.
“I’m thrilled to win here along with my girlfriend Steffen. I really did not expect to win, because it’s my first time in Koh Samui. But I had faith in my form after winning the Ironman Melbourne three weeks ago. I’m sure the Samui Triathlon will become more popular in the future. [And] I think it will serve as a good launching pad for my future races. I was very impressed with Samui locals. They are friendly and helpful … to foreigners in particular. I hope I can come back again next year,” said the Aussie.
Steffen led the women’s race across the finish line in six hours, 50.43 minutes, followed by Australian Carrie Lester and Kiwi Joanna Lawn in 6:54.15 and 6:55.32. Steffen claimed Bt500,000 in prize money.
“I visit Koh Samui three times a year. But this is the first time I have competed here. I trained very hard for the event. I’m still not sure about whether I’ll be back to defend my title next year. But I hope so,” said Steffen.
Prawit Wongphinit was the first Thai over the finish line, clocking eight hours, 13.11 minutes for 22nd place.
The Samui Triathlon was organised by Koh Samui Municipality, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, Triathlon Association of Thailand, Singha Corporation and Bangkok Airways.
