Jakarta, Indonesia: The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) World #1 Ashleigh Gentle told a press conference and triathlon club gathering in Jakarta today that the recently announced PTO Asian Open in Singapore on 19-20 August could ‘take the sport to the next level’ for both professional and amateur triathletes across Indonesia and Asia.
Speaking for the first time since she became the official PTO World #1 – following the introduction of a new PTO World Ranking System earlier this week – the 31-year old Australian said:
“I have raced in Singapore a couple of times. Once when I was super young, at an Asian Cup and then at the start of 2019. So I have a feel for the place, but obviously, with the PTO Asian Open the race experience will go to the next level for the professionals – but also for the amateurs who have the opportunity to race the same 100km course around what is an iconic city.”
The course details for the 100km (2km swim; 80km bike; 18km run) professional and experienced amateur PTO Asian Open races are yet to be fully announced, but the women and men will race around the Marina Bay Financial District taking in the iconic sights of the Helix Bridge, Merlion and the Singapore Flyer.
Also speaking at the press conference, Indonesian professional triathlete Andy Wibowo, who has raced in a number of different full and half Ironman distance events around the world and is getting ready for the Ironman World’s Championship in Nice in September couldn’t hide his excitement:
“Wow. I’ve done some incredible triathlons in my time, including IM World Kona, Challenge Roth and IM 70.3 Zell am see, but being able to follow the world’s best Pros like Ashleigh on a 100km Odyssey around Singapore and Marina Bay will be absolutely epic.”
Attending the media event in person, PTO CEO Sam Renouf, talked more about the PTO Tour and the unique opportunities it will give amateur triathletes in the region.
“We’re very excited to be here in Jakarta talking about the PTO and the new PTO Asian Open races that will take place in August. Few major sporting occasions around the globe offer a chance for amateurs to compete beside the best athletes in the world. You can watch Formula 1 drivers racing around the streets of Singapore but you can’t then get behind the wheel of an F1 car and drive on the track! You can do exactly that at the PTO events.”
Further information on the professional and experienced amateur 100km PTO Asian Open races can be found on the PTO website. General registrations will open next week.
Alongside the professional and experienced amateur 100km races, the PTO Asian Open will also offer exciting opportunities for amateur triathletes and everyday sports enthusiasts to also get involved, thanks to a range of other amateur races over the weekend. Further details on these will be available soon.
The Professional Triathletes Organisation is a new sports body co-owned by the professional athletes, seeking to elevate and grow the sport of Triathlon and take it to the next level.
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For Further Information
Professional Triathletes Organisation
Anthony Scammell E: [email protected]
About the Professional Triathletes Organisation
The PTO is a new body, co-owned by the professional athletes, seeking to elevate and grow the sport of Triathlon and take it to the next level. Each PTO Open is raced over 100km (2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run). 2023 PTO Tour races announced to date include: the PTO US Open in Milwaukee on 4-5 August and the PTO Asian Open in Singapore on 19-20 August. The season will be underpinned by the PTO World Rankings, helping to create a compelling season-long narrative in the sport for the first time.
