MALAKOFF POWERMAN Asian Duathlon Championships 2012

I'm #11. All results can be viewed here: Malakoff Powerman.

Screenshot above explains a lot of thing. The most notable is the weather. The last 2 editions of Powerman in 2010 & 2011 in Manjung was blazing HOT ~ which lives up to the title as "the hottest race in Asia" in the Powerman series.

After entering the full distance (11km run - 64km bike - 10km run) for the last 2 years, I decided to race in the Men's Sprint Category. I tried to register in the Sprint category last year but failed since rumour had it that once you race the full distance, you can never go back to sprint. ~ Somehow, I manage this year..

Putrajaya's race route is tougher than Manjung since the route is hilly & longer. 
In comparison;

Manjung route:
-Powerman: 11km run - 64km bike - 10km run *I finish in 4:03:11 Hours in 2010 & 3:51:26 Hours in 2011
-Sprint Duathlon: 6km run - 32km bike - 5km run

Putrajaya route:
-Powerman: 11.4km run - 64km bike - 11.4km run
-Sprint Duathlon: 5.7km run - 32km bike - 5.7km run

Although the route is more challenging, the bike course is have the smoothest asphalt I've ridden before.
+ for Putrajaya!!

Met Aman; Malaysian Ironman & multiple Powerman age group winner, during race kit collection.

 The race kit collection at Marriot Putrajaya was beautiful. But the area was too was and too crowded for the large group of people to be catered. Anyway, I'm not gonna complain on that =)

With my family. That was my brother on the left. This was his first duathlon race. 

Elites & Powerman age group categories starts 15 minutes earlier.
Since for prize for the sprint category is only up to 5th placing, I didn't put much hope into it since this is Asian Championship race. The target is to finish among the top 10 & the strategy is to run a bit slower than my normal race for Run 1 to prepare for the cycling leg which I didn't train, and go all out later during the last run.

BANG!!! The mass start of Men's Sprint category.

Compilation of pictures from Tey Eng Tiong shortly after flag off.

After the 32km cyling leg

After Run 1, I was in my target zone; TOP 10. But cycling really takes a toll. a few riders manage to overtake me. I was lucky I was efficient in both transition at T1 & T2.

I can sleep while running? Haha! *left picture. I ran back to my bike because I forgot to take a sip of my ORS water. Silly me...

Nearing the finishing line.

I didn't have severe cramps after the bike leg (lucky me) but still have cramps though. It was my fault for not doing brick training. No complaints there...
Being an avid runner, I manage to overtake 3 more racers during the last running leg; landing me on the #11th placing overall. Slightly out of my target, still out. I'm definitely doing the Sprint again next year to be in the top 10, or better.. top 5!!!

With friends at the finishing line. Kudos to Jason (left) grabbing the #5th placing Men's Sprint category.

That is the end of it...
CHEERS!! ROGER & OUT ~ ~ ~