TRIATHLON

Challenge Laguna Phuket TriFest kicks into high gear

By Challenge Family

CHALLENGELAGUNAPHUKET’s Tri-Fest carnival, which will see over 1,900 athletes from around the world descend on the island for the legendary 22nd annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) on 22 November and 3rd CHALLENGELAGUNAPHUKET (CLP) a week later on 29 November, was previewed today (Saturday, 21 November) for media by organizers, sponsors, and pro athletes in a special conference at Laguna Grove, Laguna Phuket.

The multi-media event showcased some of the elite triathlon stars set to compete in both races and thrill spectators who each year throng to see the action in the spectacular swim, bike and run courses in and around Laguna Phuket. 

This year’s CHALLENGELAGUNAPHUKET Tri-Fest is headed by defending champions; Ruedi Wild (SUI), title holder of 2014 Challenge Laguna Phuket; Massimo Cigana (ITA) and Alberto Casadei (ITA), who jointly made history last year at 2014 Laguna Phuket Triathlon when they crossed the finish line as one and gave LPT its first dual champions. Cigana is also LPT’s first four-time winner (2007, 2010, 2011 and 2014.)  Also making an appearance at the conference was World Champion Michael Raelert (DEU) who won the race in 2011. 

The Tri-Fest will also see returning Laguna Phuket champions such as Tim O’Donnell (USA) who won in 2010 and Radka Vodickova (CZE) who won LPT in 2009, 2011 and 2012. 

Pros to watch also include Luke McKenzie (AUS), Allan Steen Olesen (DNK), Till Schramm (DEU), Simone Braendli (SUI) and the reigning Duathlon World Champion Emma Pallant (GBR) to name a few.

The press conference was also addressed by Dr. Jingjai Hanchanlash, Vice Chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce and Honorary Consul of Jamaica to Thailand; Mr. Ravi Chandran, Managing Director, Laguna Phuket, the race organizer; Ms. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Mr. Suvadhana Sibunruang, Director Marketing Development and Commercial Communications of Thai Airways International (TG) and Khun Toon Bodyslam, Thailand’s number one rock star and CLPTF participants

“I am delighted to see steady number of athletes participating in our races from around the world. This year we will see around 1,900 athletes at our two races, way more than the previously forecasted 1,500,” said Mr. Ravi Chandran while addressing the audience.

“What I find particularly wonderful is the number of Thai athletes who has registered to the longer, harder CHALLENGEFAMILY race which is almost double from last year.” 

Dr. Jingjai Hanchanlach of Thai Chamber of Commerce seconded Ravi’s statement “Thailand has witnessed the shift in tourist patterns for over a decade now. From traditional beach holidays, new generation travel makers are keen to go on sport-related vacations. They travel to participate in marathon, bike, duathlon and triathlon event at various tourist locations nationwide.”

Full participants list and live results are available at www.challengelagunaphuket.com.