As the first race on the 70.3 calendar for Asia, the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Sri Lanka is positioned as ‘the perfect opportunity for athletes to awaken from the winter slumber and dip their toes into some warm waters and humid conditions to test the body.’
19 February 2012 marks a historic occasion as the Ironman brand will be breaking new ground with the first 70.3 event in South Asia and the first 5150 in Asia. A new major destination on the global IM 70.3 calendar, Sri Lanka is a jewel of South Asia. Romantic island hideaways, a rich culture and a food lover’s paradise, Sri Lanka has it all.
2005 World Ironman Champion, Faris Al-Sultan, is one pro athlete who will be taking on the latest IM 70.3 destination event. Al-Sultan will be participating in the 5150, Olympic distance event (1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run.)
“I think it is time for Sri Lanka to develop itself as a prime holiday destination and as ambassadors for triathlon, my teammates and I are proud to support a race that brings our tough but wonderful sport to this beautiful island,” Faris Al-Sultan said.
To date, joining the former world champion in the 5150 is Paul Ambrose (AUS), Luke Gillmer (AUS), Freddy Lampret (RSA), Jenny Fletcher (USA) and Rachael Paxton (AUS). A host of Aussie athletes are heading to the island and one pro who loves to race in Asia is Belinda Granger. Granger will be lining up for the 70.3.
“I am incredibly excited about racing the inaugural Sri Lanka 70.3. What an incredible place for a race,” said Granger. “This is a great opportunity to add yet another stunning South Asian country to my long list. What a great way to kick start the 2012 season.”
Steeped in Colonial Architecture, the city of Colombo will become a staging area for the event. Athletes should be prepared to be wowed by the hotels on offer, with plenty to choose from and all within walking distance or a short tut-tut ride of each other.
On 19 February, the city roads will be closed across the course. With no traffic and a flat course, Sri Lanka is designed for the uber fast biker, kitted with a disk wheel, and lovers of a pancake flat run course. But that doesn’t mean it is going to be easy. Remember it’s in the tropics; which means a consistent 81°F air temperature, 82°F sea temperature (no wetsuits) and for a little fun, the humidity level in February hovers around 80%!
Sri Lanka is a country on many peoples ‘must see’ list. A tropical paradise it is the perfect place to holiday and experience all that South Asia has to offer. Now with the inaugural 70.3 and 5150 coming to the island, triathletes and their families can combine the best of both worlds with this new destination, ‘must see, must do’ race venue.
