World's top triathletes take Phuket challenge

Last year, Wild of Switzerland made his stunning debut in the event by snatching the title from a top-class field of fellow pros, while Vodickova of the Czech Republic completed a hat-trick of titles.

Also gunning for the title this year are some of the hottest names in international triathlon, including Australia’s Chris McCormack, a four-time world champion acclaimed as one of the most successful triathletes history. Leading the women’s field is Australia’s Melissa Hauschildt, the newly-crowned 2013 ITU Long Distance World Champion and 2013 Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

Triathlon great Belinda Granger of Australia, a Phuket crowd favourite competing here for the 11th time, has signed up for both the Laguna Phuket Triathlon and next week’s Challenge Laguna Phuket. The Tri-Fest promises double the excitement for both athletes and the crowd.

Professional triathletes to watch include Australia’s Pete Jacobs, Italy’s Massimo Cigana and Alberto Casadei.

The Tri-Fest will raise money for local charitable causes.

 “Athletes from Thailand and all over the world have raised millions of baht to fund various charitable activities through Laguna Phuket series of sports events,” said Ravi Chandran, from title sponsors Laguna Resorts & Hotels.

 “We are aiming to raise Bt500,000 for our foundation,” he added.

So far, some 1,800 athletes have signed up for the action.