ITU points at stake in Asian Triathlon Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign triathletes seeking qualifying points for the ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup series as well as the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic triathlon event are set for a battle royale in the Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Cup on April 25-26 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

On the Elite category are eight from Japan, three from Macao and about 40 up-and-coming triathletes representing Australia, Uzbekistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Syria, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Singapore and Canada. 

Among the foreign pros to watch is Australia’s Kelly Perkins who is coming off an impressive performance in the March 14 Maloobala Oceania Cup and will be challenged by the tough national triathletes of Japan.

John Chicano will lead the Philippine team. On the distaff side outstanding Philippine age-grouper Kim Kilgroe and Malaysia’s back-to-back 13-15 category champion Zoe Bowden will make their respective debuts in the elite competitions.

Under the mechanics of the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with the SBMA, Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) and the International Triathlon Union (ITU), the top local and international elite athletes will get ITU points for Asian and world ranking and qualification to major international competitions.

The elite junior (ages 16-19) competition meanwhile will have Britain’s Sam O’Shea and American Kyle Izzo testing their mettle against Filipinos Edward Macalalad, Julius Constantino, Justin Chiongbian and Jimuel Patilan.

The event is presented by Speedo and supported by SBMA Tourism Department, New Balance, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Century Tuna, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation, Standard Insurance, East West Building Technology, Inc., the Lighthouse Marina Resort, RaceDay, SBR.ph, Multisport, Kikay Runner and Pinoy Fitness.