To mark the opening of general registration, the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has revealed details of the course that both elite professional athletes and amateurs will race at the inaugural PTO Asian Open in Singapore.
Held on August 19-20, the event will start with a 2km freshwater swim in Singapore’s Marina Bay. The route takes in the sights of the Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion, the Singapore Flyer, Esplanade Theatre, Fullerton Hotel and Marina Bay Financial District.
For the first time, experienced amateurs will also have the opportunity to swim in Marina Bay, providing they complete the qualification standards.
Athletes must be competent swimmers to participate in this event. During registration athletes will be asked to confirm that they have completed at least three open water swims.
They must also submit proof that thy have completed an open water swim of a distance of 1.5km or greater since June 1, 2022 at a pace of 2min 30sec per 100m or faster (i.e. a time of 37min 30sec for 1500m or 47min 30 sec for 1900m).
This proof must be uploaded to the athlete’s registration before 11.59 SST (GMT +9) on July 28, 2023. Valid proof includes finisher certificate or screenshot of a race result showing event date, athlete name, swim distance and swim time.
Course
- A 2km freshwater swim in Marina Bay – competitors will set off in a rolling start format from the pontoon and large marker buoys will guide them around the bay on a point-to-point route. With a usual water temperature of 28°C, it’s a non-wetsuit swim.
- A mostly flat 80km closed road bike course – the multi-lap course will start and finish at Marina Bay and take competitors on a tour around the city, incorporating 700m of elevation.
- An 18km run on paved surfaces – set against the famous sights of the Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Flyer, the fast and flat run provides a scenic backdrop to complete the 100km journey.
PTO CEO Sam Renouf, said “We’re very excited to be sharing more details of the 100km course our professionals and experienced amateurs will be racing in Singapore at the PTO Asian Open and hugely grateful to the many stakeholders in Singapore for their efforts in working with us to make this happen.
“Few major sporting occasions around the globe offer a chance for amateurs to compete beside the best athletes in the world. You can watch Formula 1 drivers racing around the city streets of Singapore, but you can’t then get behind the wheel of an F1 car and drive on the track! You can do exactly that with the PTO Tour – and what makes this race extra special is the unique opportunity to start it all in the iconic Marina Bay.”
