“Prepare to weep!”… That’s how event organisers, TRIBOB, are promoting their International Triathlon event in Lombok. It’s hardly surprising, as the Lombok Triathlon is one of the most demanding, but also one of the most exhilarating and rewarding sporting events around, according to last year’s competitors.
With just over a month to go before the second annual Lombok International Triathlon on Sunday, 9 November, Lombok is gearing up to host its major sporting event of the year. Over 200 athletes from around the world are expected to take part in this challenging event that consists of a 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km run. The course, dubbed “the toughest in Asia” will attract some of the best age group athletes from the region. The 2007 champion, Assad Attamimi from Australia, Sebastien Calle from France, Rob Palmer from New Zealand and Dirk Sandrock from Germany are just a few of the top names expected to battle it out for the honour of becoming the Lombok Triathlon 2008 Champion.
The 1.8km swim will take place in Senggigi Bay, off the beach in front of the Sheraton and Santosa Resorts. Event organisers chose the Bay, for the naturally calm waters and the wide beachfront which offers ease of viewing for spectators. After the swim, participants will have a chance to towel off and change clothes before embarking on a gruelling 55km bike ride up the coast road north of Senggigi. Anyone who has driven the steep hills and hair-pin corners of this road will understand the level of fitness required to conquer this track!
At Pemenang, the cyclists will turn onto the road through the Pusuk Pass to tackle the challenging twists and turns through the Monkey Forest Road and the tropical forest. The course then continues through Gunungsari and Meninting, before returning to Senggigi. The Sheraton Senggigi Resort is the major sponsor for the event, and all start and finish points will be within the beautiful grounds of the Resort.
Finally, the fittest survivors will finish up with a 12 km run which travels north from the Sheraton and circumnavigates the beachfront at Kerandangan. It’s a compact 6 km course that allows for maximum spectator viewing, but has to be completed twice to make up the distance. The shaded coconut grove lining the beach should give some respite to participants, but there are a couple of steep hills to be negotiated before and after!
New in 2008 is “The Island Team Cup”; an opportunity for people to team up and share the excitement and sense of achievement gained from completing an endurance challenge together. Each team consists of three people with each person completing one discipline of the race consisting of a 1.8km swim, 55km bike and 12 km Run. The winning team will take home the Island Team Cup trophy and all participants will receive a special race souvenir.
For those not fit enough to take on the Triathlon challenge, a 6km “Senggigi Run” will be held as part of the festive Lombok Triathlon weekend, giving everyone the chance to be part of the action.
On Saturday, 8 November at 4.30pm, some 300 competitive and recreational runners are expected at the start line in Senggigi. The run course takes the athletes through a lush palm tree grove along the coast, over hill tops with beautiful sea views, finishing with a loop through vibrant Senggigi town. The crowds will be out in force to cheer on all the participants.
Attractive prizes will be awarded to the first male and female finishers and all runners will receive a certificate of completion and refreshments at the finish line. For the Senggigi Run the entry fee is only Rp 15 000.
Lombok and the event organisers have put in a big effort to ensure the race runs smoothly. Large stretches of road surface have been upgraded on the bike course, and arrangements have been made for road closures, full police back-up, medical support and teams of volunteers during the race. Drink stations will be plentiful and strategically-placed to ensure participants are fully hydrated throughout the race, an important safety aspect of a demanding race such as this.
Event Manager, Matthe Vijverberg, says, “We treasure the support we have received from the local authorities, the Lombok Hotel Association, host venue Sheraton Senggigi, Gili Eco Trust and Hash House Harriers. It’s great to see the whole community getting involved”.
Triathlon is fast becoming one of the most popular mass-participation sports in Asia. More than just a sport, it embodies a lifestyle that combines athleticism, camaraderie and fun. The Lombok Triathlon has been designed to become an internationally-recognised, high-profile triathlon, set in the pristine natural environment of Lombok Island.
For more information on the Lombok Triathlon, or to register in the event, visit www.lomboktriathlon.com. Indonesians residing in Indonesia may contact lomboktriathlon@tribob.com for discounted race entry rates.
