Ironmen test their mettle in Phuket today
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Following the success of its inaugural event in 2013, the iconic "Challenge Laguna Phuket" kicks off today as part of the weeklong multi-sports event that sees world champions competing for a slice of the race's 25,000-euro prize purse.
The centrepiece half-Ironman-distance event features a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21km run, and has attracted 900 participants. Title-holders Rasmus Petraeus of Denmark and Australian Melissa Hauschildt are back to defend their titles.
Petraeus is set to face strong challenges from a field that includes four-time Laguna Phuket Triathlon champion Massimo Cigana from Italy plus multiple record holder and 2013 Iron Man World Championship runner-up Luke McKenzie from Australia. Others hoping to make their mark are Italy’s Alberto Casadei, fresh from winning last weekend’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) in a tie with Cigana, Swiss Olympian and double LPT title-holder Ruedi Wild from Switzerland, Fredrik Croneborg and Till Schramm.
On the women’s side, elite pros will battle sapping heat in an effort to nab the title from Hauschildt. Among them will be triple LPT winner Radka Vodickova from the Czech Republic, setting up an intriguing contest with last week’s LPT winner Parys Edwards from Britain, and world-renowned Australian triathlete Belinda Granger.
