World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), the global owner and operator of the Ironman and 70.3 event brands, has confirmed that it will not host any races in Malaysia during 2011.
The confirmation follows local media reports that the 2011 edition of Ironman Malaysia had been postponed. WTC is currently seeking new partners and venues that will improve the quality and production of events within the country and hopes to introduce new races in 2012.
“Malaysians have shown tremendous enthusiasm for Ironman events for more than a decade and we appreciate their continued support,” said Murphy Reinschreiber, WTC’s Managing Director of Asia-Pacific.
“We hoped to produce at least one event in 2011, but circumstances beyond our control require that we wait until at least 2012. Our decision is not a reflection of the support we’ve received from athletes, local communities, sponsors or the government. We are talking to potential partners and inspecting innovative courses to offer improved events in the future.”
Past Malaysian events include Ironman Langkawi Malaysia, which was produced for 11 years, and Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya, which took place in 2009. Competitors looking for alternative events should visit www.ironman.com for the complete 2011 Ironman and 70.3 event schedules.
Athletes and media have been advised that WTC is the sole resource for information about Ironman and 70.3 races in Malaysia. Information coming from any other source is not authorised. Additional information and details will be posted to www.ironman.com as they become available.
