Organizers of the MRA Bali International Triathlon are calling on young local athletes to join a three-event sporting competition scheduled for June.
"This year we are expecting more than 350 participants to join," triathlon director Andreas Charisma Kansil told a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jimbaran, Bali - the starting point for the competition. "Hopefully, more local athletes from Jakarta, Bali and other parts of Indonesia will get involved in the Bali triathlon," Andreas said.
The competition features three categories including an Olympic-standard individual triathlon, a three-in-a-team relay triathlon as well as a 5 kilometer fun run.
The Olympic-standard race incorporates a 1.5 km swim around Jimbaran Bay; a 40 km ride encompassing the Jimbaran Bypass road, Nusa Dua, Ungasan and Pecatu; and a 10 km run along the Uluwatu Raya road.
"We realize that the Olympic standard may be difficult for local participants, but we encourage them to join either in a relay team or in the fun run," Andreas said, adding that the organizers had registered 35 participants for the individual triathlon category.
"This amount is an increase from the same period last year," Andreas said. "Based on last year's experience, there will be last-minute registrations."
Saturday's press program was highlighted by a warm-up session of swimming and cycling events. Former national swimmer Richard Sam Bera was among the five-strong exhibitors.
Thanks to his experience, Richard easily led the pack, which included Philippa Goldie, John Blyther, Agnes Safford and I Wayan Arsana.
The group swam a 500-meter course - reduced from the normal 1.5 kilometers - before embarking on a bike ride along the competition route. "The route is challenging, but it still needs to be upgraded," Richard told The Jakarta Post.
After retiring from the national swimming team, Richard has taken up triathlon, and says that it is like deja vu.
Ahead of the Bali event, 37-year-old Richard plans to try out in Singapore in April and in Bintan in May.
