JOHOR BARU: Mitchell Robins of Australia overcame challenging weather conditions to emerge as champion of the 2017 UEM Sunrise Iskandar Puteri Triathlon Challenge at Puteri Harbour in Johor on Saturday.
Leading the field from the first discipline of the 1.9km swim at the Puteri Harbour, Robins withstood an early morning downpour to complete the 90km cycling discipline, before racing past the finish line at the end of the 21km run in a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes and 47 seconds.
"It was quite challenging on the bike, as the road was quite slippery due to rain,” said Robins.
"Still, I managed to hang on to the lead and I must commend the route for cycling and running, as it was far better than last year.
“It was a tough race nonetheless, and I am glad to have won it and the experience was truly fantastic,” he said.
Robins was born and raised in Port Macquarie, Australia.
He first ventured into triathlon in 2008 and won his first professional race at Port Macquarie Half Ironman in 2010.
Finishing second was Fredrik Croneborg of Sweden in a time of 3:58:29. Cameron Brown of New Zealand was third in 4:00:48.
In the women’s category, German Beate Goertz emerged as champion, with a time of 4 hours, 29 minutes and 32 seconds.
"I knew I had to go hard on the bike. And the bike route is to my liking, as it is flat. There were some tricky areas with a lot of bumps. But overall, this is a good race and well organised,” said Beate.
In second spot was Anna Eberhardt of Hungary at 4:32:12, while New Zealand's Kathryn Haesner came in third at 4:37:04.
RESULTS
* Malaysians, unless stated
Professional
Men
1 - Mitchell Robins (Aus) 3:57:47; 2 - Fredrik Croneborg (Swe) 3:58:29; 3 - Cameron Brown (NZL) 4:00:48
Women
1 - Beate Goertz (Ger) 4:29:32; 2 - Anna Eberhardt (Hun) 4:32:12; 3 - Kathryn Haesner (NZL) 4:37:04
Amateur
Men
18-24 years old
1 - Lim Chee Yong, 5:17:44; 2 - Chung Yao Shan, 5:27:45; 3 - Lim Jin Hao, 5:46:19
25-29
1 - Mohammad Halif Bin Husin 4:56:56; 2 - Tan Yong Jin Kerwin (Sin) 5:02:57; 3 - Chan Boon Kiang (Sin) 5:07:47
30-34
1 - Luc Charpentier (Fra), 4:32:30, 2 - Aldrian Yeo Yu Yong, 4:44:37; 3 - Lan Jenn Yuan, 4:58:28
35-39
1 - Jaray Jeanarai (Tha), 4:16:28; 2 - Jason Gerke (Aus), 4:34:16; 3 - Chris Braithwaite (NZL), 4:36:01
40-44
1 - Michael Musk (Aus), 4:31:15; 2 - Alex Albergaria (Por) 4:35:35; 3 - Edward David Hawkins (Gbr), 4:46:28
45-49
1 - Martin Malleier (Aut), 4:41:56; 2 - Richard Tang 4:52:44; 3 - Lieu Yee Leong (Sin), 4:58:03
50-54
1 - Martin Reynolds (Gbr), 5:02:12; 2 - Dai Matsui (Jpn), 5:12:03; 3 - Ichiro Saito (Jpn), 5:24:03
Women
30-34
1 - Claire Walton (Gbr); 4:58:49; 2 - Sumiko Tan (Sin), 5:13:57; 3 - Jessica Macias (Swit), 5:46:18
35-39
1 - Samantha Curtis (Aus), 5:09:08; 2 - Clare Mullenger (Gbr), 5:13:08; 3 - Chin Mei See, 5:14:11
RELAY
1 – Singapore, 5:02:31; 2 - Malaysia 5:16:19; 3 - Great Britain, 5:29:54.