Elite triathletes vie for ITU, ASTC points

MANILA, Philippines - The stage is set for a battle royale among elite triathletes from several countries seeking ITU and ASTC Asian Cup qualification points on the second day of the K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) Sunday at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Bidding for the Elite male title are Japan’s Kohei Shimomura (ITU No. 142), Jordan’s Fanous Lawrence (No. 156), Hong Kong’s Perry Wong (No. 180), Korea’s 2012 Olympian Min Ho Heo and Azerbaijan’s Alexander Iatcenko. Jonard Saim, who won the AboitizTRI2014 event a few weeks back, is the Philippines’ only bet in the Elite field.

On the distaff side Japan’s Hideko Kikuchi (No. 97) goes up against Macau’s Hoi Long (2010 Asian Games triathlon fourth placer) and compatriot Chika Sato (No. 121).

All standard distance (1.5K swim–40K bike–10K run) competitions including the Under-23,age-groups and triathlon club will take place Sunday.

The 1.5K swim is set off the NCT Junction with the first transition area located nearby.  From there the 40K bike will stretch out along Argonaut Highway and ends at the second transition area located at Harbor Point Ayala Mall. The redesigned 10K run this year will course through the central business district with the finish line set at the grounds of Harbor Point Ayala Mall.

The event is sponsored by K-Swiss, Century Tuna and SBMA Tourism Department and supported by Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Canon, Traveler’s Hotel, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Speedo, Standard Insurance and Green Triathlon.