Singapore: To mark the opening of general registrations today, the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has revealed details of the iconic new course that both the world’s best professionals and experienced amateur triathletes will race at the inaugural PTO Asian Open, 19-20 August.
The event will start with a 2km freshwater swim in Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay that takes in the sights of the Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion, the Singapore Flyer, Esplanade Theatre, Fullerton Hotel and Marina Bay Financial District. For the very first time, experienced amateurs will also have the opportunity to swim in Marina Bay, providing they complete the qualification standards*.
The full list of course details for the 100km (2km swim; 80km bike; 18km run) professional and experienced amateur PTO Asian Open races is available here and includes:
- A 2km freshwater swim in Marina Bay – Competitors will set off in a rolling start format from the pontoon and large marker buoys will guide them around the Bay on a point-to-point swim. With a usual water temperature of 28°C, it’s a non-wetsuit swim.
- A mostly flat 80km closed roads bike course – The multi-lap course will start and finish at Marina Bay and take competitors on an action packed tour around the city, incorporating 700m of elevation. Full detail on the bike course will be announced in the coming weeks.
- An 18km run on paved surfaces – set against the world famous sights of the Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Flyer, the fast and flat run provides a scenic backdrop to complete the 100km journey.
Commenting on the course news, PTO CEO Sam Renouf, said:
“We’re very excited to be sharing more details of the 100km course our professionals and experienced amateurs will be racing in Singapore at the PTO Asian Open and hugely grateful to the many stakeholders in Singapore for their efforts in working with us to make this happen.”
“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 city 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 with the PTO Tour – and what makes this race extra special is the unique opportunity to start it all in the iconic Marina Bay.”
Australian professional Ashleigh Gentle, who tops the current PTO World Rankings, added:
“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.”
Further information on the experienced amateur 100km PTO Asian Open races can be found on the PTO website and general registrations will open at 12pm Singapore Time today – Thursday 23 February, 2023.
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 get involved, thanks to a range of other amateur races over the weekend. Further details on these will be available in due course.
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.
*About the Marina Bay Swim Qualification Standards
Athletes must be competent swimmers to participate in this event. During registration you will be asked to confirm that you have completed at least three (3) open water swims. You must also submit proof that you have completed an open water swim of a distance of 1.5km or greater since 1 June 2022 at a pace of 2min30sec per 100m or faster (i.e. a time of 37min 30sec for 1500m or 47min 30 sec for 1900m). For more details visit the PTO website.
This proof must be uploaded to your registration before 11.59 SST (GMT +9) on Friday 28 July 2023. Valid proof includes finisher certificate or screenshot of a race result showing event date, athlete name, swim distance and swim time.
Athletes who do not have suitable proof may join these swim trials organised by MetaSport in Singapore:
- Saturday 25 March 2023
- Saturday 17 June 2023
More information will follow shortly. Please register your interest in the registration form.
Note: On race day, athletes must complete the first 200m of their swim within 5 minutes. Athletes who fail to do this will be removed from the swim course.
