Dubai, 2 November, 2014 – Challenge
Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest, the week-long carnival of multisport fun and
tri-related activities, is set to be bigger than ever in 2014 with some
1,800 athletes expected to take part in the two world-class triathlons.
This year marks the
21stanniversary of the legendary Laguna Phuket Triathlon, Asia’s premier
destination triathlon, and the 2ndedition of the Challenge Laguna
Phuket, a part of the globally expanding Challenge Family series of
events.
Over 1,200 entries at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2013
The 21stLaguna Phuket Triathlon is scheduled to be held on 23 November, 2014.
Triathletes will be participating in a unique course of a 1.8 km swim,
55 km bike ride and 12 km run through lush tropical scenery of the
Laguna Phuket resort complex and the northern part of Phuket.
The 2ndChallenge Laguna Phuket is scheduled to be held on 30 November, 2014.
Triathlon stars will be taking the challenge in the half iron distance
of a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride and 21 km run, featuring a spectacular
course in the iconic Laguna Phuket resort complex and surrounding
areas.
The Tourism Authority
of Thailand (TAT) is lending its full support as one of the event’s main
sponsors, saying these two world-class races will help promote sport
tourism in the country.
Mr. Thawatchai
Arunyik, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said, “The Laguna
Phuket Triathlon has been a fixture on the international triathlon
calendar for many years, thanks to the Laguna Phuket for organising and
promoting this premier sporting event for over 20 years. We’d also like
to express our heartfelt appreciation to both the Laguna Phuket and
Challenge Family for bringing this inspirational Challenge event to
Thailand.”
To date, a combined
1,500 athletes, including several international triathlon stars, have
signed up for the two races, which are scheduled during the last week of
November 2014 and are linked by a tri-fest of training and social
activities at the Laguna Phuket.
Australia’s Melissa
Hauschildt, the 2013 ITU Long Distance World Champion and double winner
in the women’s field of the 2013 Laguna Phuket Triathlon and 2013
Challenge Laguna Phuket, will be defending her championship title
against Belinda Granger (Australia), Radka Vodickova (Czech Republic)
and Rebekah Keat (Australia).
Rasmus Petraeus
(Denmark) will be defending his Challenge Laguna Phuket Champion title
from last year in the race against Ruedi Wild (Switzerland), last year’s
Laguna Phuket Triathlon’s champion, Massimo Cigana (Italy) and Luke
McKenzie (Australia).
Radka Vodickova biked past the cheering crowds during last year’s triathlon. |
Melissa Hauschildt won both challenges during last year’s Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest |
Mr. Thawatchai said,
“November 2014 marks several milestones for sports tourism in Thailand,
in Phuket in particular. This southern Thai island is set to welcome
athletes from 42 countries in Asia to compete in 26 sports during the
4thAsian Beach Games 2014 from 14 to 23 November.
And as Asian athletes compete for the last medals on 23 November,
thousands of triathletes will take part in the first main race of the
week-long Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest.”
In an attempt to
enhance the experience of travellers to Thailand, Phuket is among
several Thai destinations that have seen their popular destinations
received improvement. Following a clear-out of beach encroachment,
Phuket’s popular beaches including Patong, Surin and Bang Tao are now
welcoming tourists in their natural pristine states. In addition, Phuket
International Airport has also see actions to clampdown on illicit taxi
operations.
For more information on the Challenge Phuket Tri-Fest, visit: Challenge Laguna Phuket