Some of our ANZA Cyclists have a secret – they like to swim and run as well! And 28 of them put their multi-sport skills to the test, competing in the first ever PTO Asian Open, an iconic race right on our doorstep in Marina Bay. ANZA athletes did not disappoint in terms of numbers and results, achieving six podiums, three top tens and two relay podiums.
Duathlon competitors somehow managed to get up at un-godly hours to start their races in the cooler temperatures. Duathlon racers had the choice of two run-bike-run distances: standard (4.5km – 32km – 4.5km) and long (9km – 64km – 9km).
All races shared the same bike and run courses. The bike was a 16km lap which included “Sheares Bridge Three Ways” – three leg-burning ramps on and off the bridge, as well as loops around Bugis and Nicoll Highway. Meanwhile, the run was a beautiful (but hot) loop from Marina Bay Sands to Marina Barrage.
The 100km distance triathlon featured the first ever non-professional swim in Marina Bay. Unfortunately (for swimmers), the course was shortened to 1.5km, with 500m added to an already long transition.
Once out of transition, triathletes completed five laps of the bike course, followed by taking in amazing views as they went over the bridge. They then headed out for four laps of the run course.
Shout outs go to our podium-getters: Benedikt Steinheuer who had a phenomenal race and came 1st in his age group (AG) and 3rd overall amateur; plus Tobias Chu (1st AG), Teresa Harding (1st AG), Sonya Thompson (1st AG), Haythem El-Ansary (2nd AG), Clara Gibson (2nd AG), and Rachel Longstaff (3rd AG – duathlon). Congratulations to everyone who took part, and thanks to MetaSport and PTO for a truly iconic event.
Biking in Batam
The 2023 Tour de Batam unfolded over three adrenaline-packed days in September. Participants battled it out over various distances, experiencing fantastic achievements, personal bests, and unparalleled endurance and spirit.
Day 1: Individual Time Trial
The competition fired up with a 15km Individual Time Trial, where Wesley Elder led the pack in the Men’s 40-44, clocking 22:43.4, followed by Russell Van Der Water with a time of 23:35.4 in the 45-49 category. Gillian Li set a strong pace to secure the top position in the Women’s 50-54, and Reina Murai finished second in the 45-49 category.
Day 2: Gruelling Gran Fondos
Saturday escalated the challenge with the Men’s 149km Gran Fondo. Martin Herbrich claimed the top spot in the 55-59 category, trailed closely in 3rd by Jock Hughson. There were impressive performances by the women in the 120km Gran Fondo, with Reina Murai claiming the top step in her category. A special mention goes to Gillian Parker who, after witnessing a fellow rider from a different team crash behind her, turned around to offer assistance. This meant that she lost time in the GC, but her act of kindness embodied the spirit of true sportsmanship and camaraderie, reminding us all that the essence of these events goes beyond just competing to win.
Day 3: Century Challenge
Attrition was high with less than half the field of Saturday willing or being able to go through another gruelling day, however the 104km Century saw Russell Van Der Water and Wesley Elder clinching significant positions in their categories. The Women’s field saw an impressive ride from Gillian Li who came out on top in the 50-54 category, followed by riveting performances by Gillian Parker and Reina Murai.The wonderful efforts and stories from this tour continue to inspire us until we hit the tracks again.
A Malaysian escapade
A Malaysian escapadeA group of 25 spirited cyclists from ANZA Cycling embarked on a thrilling two-day cycling journey to Malaysia, and it was nothing short of spectacular!
Saturday morning was a buzz of excitement at the cosy hotel near to Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur. Early risers, Matt D, David J, Marcin B, and Mike P pedalled 40kms north to Batang Kali, where the rest of the group joined them. Together they faced Frasers Hill, a winding 4% average climb stretching almost 32kms, with a strenuous 6km push to the summit. Colin Robinson smashed records, becoming the fastest rider up Frasers Hill in the 65-69 age group of all time! Gilian P secured a spot as the top 7th woman of all time, and Eva M, 14th woman of all time.
The “recovery” day on Sunday involved 20 of the gang heading to Genting Sempah where they were greeted by another 15km, 4% average climb. The morning was serene, the ride invigorating, and they were back in Singapore by Sunday evening relishing memories made.
