Bintan triathlon takes center stage

The Aviva Bintan Triathlon 2007 to be held on May 26 and 27 at the Bintan Lagoon Resort in Bintan Island, Indonesia consists of the following three races: Olympic distance (corresponding sprint distance): 1.5 km (750 m) swim; 40 km (20km) bike; and 10 km (5 km) run.

Each distance is divided into individual and distance relays according to age groups. In fact, on Sunday, May 27, a kids’ competition, also with three races, will be held: 200 m swim; 6 km bike and 1.5 km run.

Race organizers say that professional athletes stand to win a total prize purse of $30,000, reportedly the largest in Asia. Professional triathlete Courtney Atkinson from Australia walked away with $6,000 in 2006. Some 1,200 professional and advanced and beginner triathletes are expected to participate. Over 1,000 spectators and supporters will line up the competition route to have a live view of the competition.

Tia Ayesha, public relations manager of Bintan Lagoon, says that more than just a racing competition, the carnival-styled weekend is filled with activities such as music, beach games, food and cheerleaders to keep all entertained. For first time participants, the Fun Race Relay, consisting of only swim and run legs, is an excellent introduction to the competition. The triathlon will conclude with an Awards Barbecue Dinner on May 26 at the Pasir Panjang (Long White) Beach followed by a beach party.

Bintan Island is the largest of 3,200 islands in the Riau Archipelago and the third largest of 27 provinces in Indonesia. Northern Bintan, a 23,000-hectare development jointly undertaken by the Singaporean and Indonesian governments, features 18 kilometers of pristine white beaches, azure waters and tropical flora. It is a perfect setting for triathlon and other sports like golf.

In last week’s column, I described some of the highlights of the Jack Nicklaus Sea View course, one of two world class 18-hole golf courses in Bintan Lagoon. The other course, the 6,211-meter, par 72 Ian Baker-Finch Woodlands course has its own unique features that golfers of all abilities will find challenging.

The eighth hole, 536 meters, par 5, features an elevated tee and a fairway stretching downhill before rising to the green, thus demanding precision from golfers who must negotiate their shots past bunkers, a lake and a solitary tree. The 13th is affectionately known as the "beauty and the beast" and gives one a spectacular view of the seaside villas and the ocean.

More than just a competition, the Aviva Bintan Triathlon 2007 features a developmental component designed to attract people to the sport, and prepare well for the 2007 triathlon.

The training program has three objectives: for novice athletes considering attempting their first sprint triathlon at the Aviva Bintan triathlon, the emphasis will be on technique; for more advanced triathletes, the objective is to fine tune their technique to gain efficiency and to build a strong endurance base; and for participants doing the swim leg of a relay or wanting to focus on improving their swimming, the program offers a "swim-only" option. Most sessions are conducted by two to three coaches and the main group is divided into sub-groups of different levels. One may be asked to move from one group to the other during the program.

The program for advanced triathletes consists of three phases, the first of which, Foundation Endurance, started on Feb. 26 and ended yesterday.

The second phase, introduction to specific endurance, is from March 26 to April 26. In this phase, aerobic endurance is still the main component of training, although several elements of anaerobic activity will also be introduced to the training program. The duration of training will remain elevated while intensity is gradually increased.

The final phase, specific endurance, is from April 26 to May 24. In the final phase of training before the Aviva Bintan Triathlon, specific competition-related training will be addressed. Intensity of training reaches the highest possible level at this point, with the concomitant decrease in duration. In this phase, specific race strategies and techniques will also be developed. After the desired levels of endurance have been addressed and attained in phases one and two, phase three will help athletes reach their maximum performance potential.

Organizers anticipate near perfect water condition. May in the South China Sea has minimal swell, excellent visibility and a temperature of 26 C or around 77-78 F. Expect therefore a competitive field with lots of fun for everyone regardless of talent level. Interested parties may visit www.bintantriathlon.com.