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Phuket has become a major proving ground for professional triathlets
who demonstrate their talent and endurance. The island triathlon
also provides 15 qualifying spots for the 2000 Ironman Triathlon
World Championship in Hawaii and 25 qualifying spots for the 2000
Ironman Australia.
1999 is the sixth year of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon presented
by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The competition will be held
on 6 November.
The race comprises a 1.8 kilometer swim, starting in the Andaman
Sea at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Beach and finishing in an inland
lagoon at Laguna Beach Resort; a 55 kilometer bike race through
the scenic countryside of Phuket and culminates with a 12 kilometer
run through the Laguna Phuket resort complex and surrounding area
to finish in the grounds of the Banyan Tree Phuket Resort.
Competing for the US$30,000 prize money are the world's best triathletes
including defending champion Mark Lees from Australia; Canadian
Peter Reid, current Ironman Triathlon World Champion and Australian
Chris Legh, four-time Australian Long Distance Triathlon Champion.
Three of the strongest women in Ironman Triathlon will compete
in the professional women's challenge. Canadian Lori Bowden, Ironman
Australia Champion and Heather Fuhr, Ironman Triathlon World Champion
and Wendy Ingraham, Ironman Triathlon Austria Champion. Short course
specialist, Australian Jackie Gallagher, World Triathlon Champion,
will return to defend her 1997 and 1998 Laguna Phuket championship
titles.
For more race information, contact Debbie Dionysius, Event Manager-
Laguna Phuket Triathlon at 324 060 or email: triathlon@lagunaphuket.com
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