Isaac to lead Malaysia’s challenge in 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup

Isaac Tan will spearhead Malaysia’s challenge in the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup at the Precinct 6 Water Sports Complex here on Feb 25.

Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias said the competition, to be participated by 130 triathletes from 29 countries, is also the best platform for Malaysian triathletes to test their mettle against some of Asia’s best.

He said the Asia Triathlon Cup, which offers qualifying points to the Paris Olympics, will use the sprint format, starting with swimming (750 metres), followed by cycling (20 kilometres) and running (five kilometres).

“An important platform for our athletes to gauge their capabilities to enable them to reach a higher level, especially with the participation of some well-known triathletes from Hong Kong and China.

“Olympics? We need to be realistic because there are only a few more months left. But, then again, anything can happen...,” he told reporters after the launch of the Asia Triathlon Cup 2024 here yesterday.

Among the big names in Asia set to make their presence felt include Asian number 10 Kyotaro Yoshikawa of Japan and China’s Fan Junjie (number 11) and Wang Nanhe (number 14) in the men’s elite section as well as two-time Asian Games bronze medallist Bailee Brown of Hong Kong in the women’s elite category.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Triathlon Association vice-president Dr Alex Khoo Peng Chuan said they will continue to redouble their efforts to have more triathlons in the country, with Kampar, Perak (in July) and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (in November) being the next destinations. — Bernama