Ironman

Fabien Celeste of France wins at the eighth VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam on May 12 in Đà Nẵng City. — Photos courtesy of SEV

ĐÀ NẴNG — Fabien Celeste and Ana Garcia Rodas won the eighth VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam following a shorter swimming distance for the race on May 12 in Đà Nẵng.

The ocean was uncharacteristically turbulent, with large swells over the weekend, which led to adjustments to the swim course to ensure a safe but still challenging swim leg for nearly 3,000 participants at the picturesque Sơn Thủy Beach.

French Celeste finished first in the men's category in a time of 3hr 56.09min.

He was followed by Chinese Hao Chang (3:58.17) and Robert Dendle (3:59.06).

Vietnamese Nguyễn Thị Kim Cương finishes second in the women's category.

"The ocean conditions were challenging this year, due to the large swells," said Celeste.

"The organisers did a great job adapting the course. It was still a tough day out there and I'm proud to have pushed through and come out on top."

The female contestants were no less exceptional in their performances on the day.

Rodas,  emerged victorious supported by a blazing 2:22 bike leg on the way to an overall finishing time of 4:23.07. Following closely behind her was Vietnamese Nguyễn Thị Kim Cương, winner of the National Triathlon Championships just eight days ago (4:27.59). In third place was Nguyễn Trà My, who clocked in at 4:34.24.

In addition to the VinFast IRONMAN the three-day event featured the SUNRISE SPRINT Việt Nam, IRONKIDS Việt Nam and Newborns Vietnam Run Out.

A 1.9km swim leg was cut to just 600m because of large swells but it did not dent athletes' excitement for the Southeast Asian largest triathlon event.

“I want to congratulate all the athletes who completed the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam event today," said Karen Matthews, Operation Manager of IRONMAN Asia.

"This is one of the favourite events in the region given the enthusiasm and passion of the local athletes who have truly embraced the spirit of 'Anything is Possible' as they conquered rough sea conditions and hot temperatures to finish today.

"This event has now become the largest IRONMAN 70.3 event in Southeast Asia and I’m excited to see how it and the triathlon community continue to grow as we approach a decade of these events in Việt Nam.”

The event was organised by Sunrise Events Vietnam with the support of the Department of Culture and Sports of Đà Nẵng.

An athlete at the transition, preparing his next stage of cycling.

The largest multi-sport weekend in Việt Nam with events tailored to all ages and skill levels, attracted a diverse and international audience, drawing athletes from 52 countries and territories.

Notably, the event also set a new record for Vietnamese participation, accounting for more than 65 per cent of of those taking part.

“Sports and tourism are two closely related aspects of people's cultural and spiritual lives, " Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Đà Nẵng Nguyễn Trọng Thao said. "Sports events like the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam have gained immense popularity over the years, attracting many international athletes and inspiring many Vietnamese athletes.

After swimming, athletes take part in a 90km cycling.

"We are pleased to maintain our close collaboration with Sunrise Events Vietnam in presenting such a successful event. The economic benefits of sports events are undeniable, as athletes and spectators alike are often eager to explore the host city and its surrounding areas.

"To ensure that Đà Nẵng remains a preferred destination for sports enthusiasts, the city's leadership is committed to hosting international-standard, world-class sports events and to allow visitors to be captivated by Đà Nẵng's stunning scenery, vibrant culture and rich history.” — VNS