New Zealand Athletes Win Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in Bintan
Jakarta. Athletes from New Zealand, Mike Philips and Amelia Watkinson, won the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Lagoi Bay, Bintan, Riau Islands, on Monday (20/08).
According to a statement from Tuesday, Philips was the fastest male athlete, with three hours and 54 minutes, while Watkinson became the fastest woman with four hours and 20 minutes.
"Congratulations for the winners. They will receive a prize of $15,000 and a chance to join the 2018 Ironman World Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. Thank you, Indonesia, for being a great host," said Nathalie Marquet, the chief executive of Metasport — the event's organizer.
Bintan Tourism Agency head Luki Zaki Prawira said the success of the event will boost the region's potential as a family tourism destination.
"This Ironman event has a great potential. It created an image that Bintan is a complete destination, fit to be visited by families, foreign and local tourists," Luki said.
"We have golf courses and resorts. If you bring your family, everyone will be happy with the natural beauty," he added.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said Bintan will attract visitors from Singapore and Malaysia.
Ironman 70.3 saw 1,200 participants, 80 percent of whom were foreigners coming from 52 countries.
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