SO NEAR YET SO FAR
With a measly 4 minutes, Rupert was so close to breaking Malaysia’s record of 9 hours and 55 minutes during the Challenge Roth Germany 2016. Rupert completed the race within 9 hours and 59 minutes, a four-minute difference that can change everything. However, Rupert still managed to achieve his sub-10 hour goal in spite of racing with an injured knee. “I put everything down on the line to achieve my sub-10 goal and I’m more than happy that I made it” this 35-year old triathlete shares.
Challenge Roth Germany 2016 is one interesting race for Rupert. For many years, Challenge Roth Germany 2016 is one of the best iron distances in the world, and Rupert got the chance to join this prestigious Tri event. This triathlete gladly shares that he got the chance to swim at Danube Canal while it’s freezing cold. Also, the bike course brought him to the amazing landscape and architecture that you can only see in European countries. He also ran to the stadium which has been purposely set up just for the Challenge Roth Germany. The locals were very supportive while they’re running the entire course and literally push them to finish the race. It has a Tour de France ambiance and festive vibe as the supporters will cheer you on from early morning till night.
From a Rupert who was so ecstatic to just even complete a triathlon event down to the Rupert who podiumed on triathlon events, one after another. We asked how he could do all that? He answered right away without a second thought of what his strength is and it’s all thanks to endurance. “Endurance is my strength, as we grow older we lose speed, speed is for youngsters, once you lose a lot of speed you have to replace it with endurance. There are some people who can do 10km for 40 minutes pure running but once they come off the bike, it will take them longer because they are already tired from swimming and cycling. But for me since my cycling is good, it’s just a minimal difference, that’s why I’m good at triathlon. And sometimes ‘Race Day Magic’ works.” Rupert elaborates.
Race day magic is a notion for athletes that even when you are not feeling well before a race or you have a pain somewhere in your body but on the exact race day, all those discomforts will vanish into thin air. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush or a psychological trick Rupert also doesn’t know but somehow it helps.
TRIATHLIFE WITH RUPERT
Triathlon is sexy, as what Rupert says. It’s very appealing as you combine three sports in one event, especially in cycling as there are a lot of technology that comes with it. Mechanical engineer as a profession, no wonder Rupert was so into it.
“Triathlon can be simple sports yet can be very complicated that makes it more interesting” he said.
As for his future triathlon plans, Rupert is still in the pursuit of breaking Malaysia’s record for Iron distance and to qualify for World Ironman (Kona). Whether he needs a race day magic or those 4 minutes won’t be missed anymore, it’s all up to him. “All these are something I am very passionate about, also I’m living the life that I want, traveling and racing, what more can I ask for?” this strong-willed triathlete ends the interview with a smile.
