In an exciting day of competition, Hong Kong’s Jason Ng Tai-long and Bailee Brown delivered stellar performances in the Asia Triathlon Cup, held along the iconic Victoria Harbour. This significant event, doubling as a test for the World Triathlon Cup slated for March next year, saw athletes competing in a grueling race composed of a 750-metre swim in the harbor, followed by biking and running along Lung Wo Road.
In the men’s elite category, Ireland’s James Edgar emerged victorious with a time of 52:06, closely followed by Hong Kong’s own Ng, who finished just seconds behind. Australia’s Lachlan Jones completed the podium, clocking in at 52:24. Ng’s second-place finish was particularly momentous as it marked his first podium finish in front of his home crowd, with his parents among the spectators.
The women’s race was equally thrilling, with South Africa’s Amber Schlebusch taking the title in 59:33. She was followed by Manami Iijima of Guam and Hong Kong’s Bailee Brown, who secured a hard-fought third place.
Participants and organizers praised the event, highlighting the unique backdrop of Hong Kong’s skyline as a distinctive feature that sets this race apart from others. Ng and Brown, both medalists at the recent Asia Triathlon Sprint Championships in Saudi Arabia, appreciated the opportunity to showcase their city’s beauty through this event. However, they also pointed out areas for improvement, such as ensuring smoother transitions and better crowd control along the course.
The event’s success was a testament to the athletes’ resilience and ability to manage a demanding schedule, with the duo having competed in Saudi Arabia just a week prior. Coach Andrew Wright commended their strength and ability to handle the high intensity of back-to-back races.
The Asia Triathlon Youth Championship, held concurrently, saw promising results from Hong Kong’s young triathletes. Matthew Chan Yui-fung won the youth men’s race, with teammates Yip Tsz-hin and Gary Wong Ka-ho also finishing strongly.
Wright, a supporter of hosting international races at the harborfront, expressed satisfaction with the event’s execution. While acknowledging the need for minor improvements, he emphasized the successful organization and the excitement it brings for the upcoming World Triathlon Cup.
This year’s Asia Triathlon Cup in Hong Kong not only spotlighted the emerging talent in the region but also set the stage for the much-anticipated World Triathlon Cup, promising a blend of competitive spirit and scenic beauty.
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