3 March 2019, Putrajaya – The 2019 edition of the world’s largest Duathlon Competition, the Powerman Asia Championships – Malaysia got underway for the main Elite, Classic and Short categories on Sunday morning.
Held under the scorching and tropical conditions, it was the Frenchman Antony Costes that stole the limelight when he stormed to victory in the Elite Men’s category. Completing the first 10KM run, 60KM cycling leg and the final 10KM run leg in a time of 2:41.23s, the win is the 29-year-old Frenchman’s first win on his first appearance at the Powerman Asia Championships – Malaysia.
Flagged off at 6.50a.m ahead of the rest of the field, the early pace was set by Costes leading the Elite Men’s pack in the first 10KM run route, taking full advantage of the cooler morning conditions. The strategy paid off when Costes managed to build on his advantage over the field in the cycling stage, capitalising on his preferred leg of the race before transitioning to the final 10KM running leg with a commanding lead over the 2018 winner, Thomas Bruins of the Netherlands, who eventually placed second completing the challenging race with a time of 2:42.04s. Behind the leading duo, John Chicano of the Philippines also produced a measured and strategic race that saw him finish overall third with a time of 2:43.25s. The Filipino’s result also saw him take the top spot in the ASTC (Asian Triathlon Confederation) class.
In the Elite Women’s category, it was a three-peat for Hungary’s Annamária Eberhardt-Halasz who came out in dominant form to claim the crown for the third time. The Hungarian ace finished the same 10KM – 60KM – 10KM grueling course in three hours (3:00.02). Claiming another strong finish and emerging top amongst the ASTC Women’s was the Philippines’ Monica Torres coming in just over two minutes behind Eberhardt-Halasz.
“What another amazing edition of the Powerman Asia Championships – Malaysia here in Putrajaya today. Starting off with the Powerkids, there was plenty of action in the Elite, Classic and Short categories today. Congratulations to Antony Costes of France for winning his very first Powerman Asia Championship – Malaysia title here today and to Annamária Eberhardt-Halasz for her third consecutive win here in Putrajaya, especially up against a more competitive field this year. Congratulations to all the participants across all the different categories and age group. The support we received for this year’s event has been truly overwhelming. For us, everyone is a winner! Our sincere thanks also to the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports and all our sponsors and partners, particularly 100Plus, Shimano, Ultron and 2Escape for their incredible support and encouragement.” commented Andrew Ching, Chief Executive Officer of E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd, the promoters and organizers of the Powerman Asia Championships – Malaysia.
The full results are available at the Powerman Asia Championships – Malaysia’s website – http://www.powermanmalaysia.
The 2019 Powerman Asia Championships – Malaysia is promoted and organized by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and is sanctioned by International Powerman Association (IPA), the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) and the Selangor Triathlon Association (STA).
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