Talk about talented! Five members of ANZA Cycling – Melanie Speet, Haythem El Ansary, Vlad Dzurilla, Russel Van Der Water, and Trent Standen – recently faced off against the world’s elite triathletes at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Taupo, New Zealand.
Under the glorious New Zealand sun, the athletes tackled the challenging course: a 1.9km swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo, followed by a demanding 90km bike ride through the picturesque countryside. The final leg was a gruelling 21km run along the stunning lakefront.
Individual Highlights
Proving that everyone’s journey is individual, and skillsets are never the same, Melanie emerged from the water first in her age group, showcasing her impressive swimming prowess.
Russel battled through debilitating cramps during the run, finding strength and support from a fellow competitor.
Haythem delivered a blistering run, completing the half marathon in an incredible one hour and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Trent overcame pesky mechanical issues on his bike to finish strong, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
A big pat on the back goes to Vlad, who achieved a personal best time, a testament to his hard work and dedication on this challenging course. “It was an amazing experience at my first Ironman 70.3 World Champ in Taupo,” he says. “I enjoyed swimming in crystal waters, biking in the picturesque countryside, and finally running alongside Lake Taupo, where I put everything on the table to dig deep to deliver my PB. Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment for me.”
As we approach the 2025 season, ANZA’s triathletes are gearing up for another year of exciting challenges.
Empowering Youth Through Cycling
ANZA Cycling has partnered with Cambodian organisation REACH Siem Reap (reachsiemreap.org), who are focused on empowering children through cycling. This exciting initiative aims to leverage the power of cycling to improve the lives of young people in the city.
The partnership involves ANZA Cycling members contributing their time and expertise to support the organisation’s programmes. We’re looking at:
- Coaching and mentoring: Sharing cycling skills and knowledge with local children
- Equipment donations: Contributing used but still functional bicycles and cycling gear
- Volunteer work: Assisting with the organisation’s daily operations and community outreach. This partnership can have a significant positive impact on the lives of children in Siem Reap, providing them with opportunities for physical activity, social development, and personal growth.
Interested in getting involved? Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or simply passionate about supporting this cause, reach out to ANZA Cycling at info@anza.org.sg for more on how you can contribute to this initiative.
