The Malakoff Powerman Asian Duathlon Championships 2012 was brought back to Putrajaya, where the inaugural Powerman Malaysia series was held in 2002. A total of 1859 duathletes from close to 30 countries flocked the venue as early as 5am, energized and ready to compete in the Malaysian edition of the internationally reknown duathlon race.

Sponsored for the 11th consecutive time by Malakoff, the prestigious endurance challenge is the only Asian qualifier for the annual Powerman World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland. Formerly known as Powerman Malaysia, the event was upgraded this year by the International Powerman Association (IPA) to Malakoff Powerman Asian Duathlon Championships, in recognition of the success the event has enjoyed over the decade.

At the event, Encik Habib Husin, Chief Operating Officer of Malakoff Corporation Berhad said, “Malakoff is an ardent supporter of sporting events, and we are indeed pleased that Malakoff Powerman Asian Duathlon Championships is an integral part of Malakoff’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility programme – the Malakoff Community Partnerships.”

“The Malakoff Powerman Asian Duathlon Championships is certainly in line with Malakoff’s objective to inculcate a healthy active lifestyle and foster a competitive spirit of sportsmanship among the community. As witnessed by all of us today, it is evident how sports drive an individual to achieve excellence regardless of our varied background and physical capabilities,” he added.

The inaugural Powerman Malaysia was organised in 2002 and saw the participation of 237 duathletes from ten countries. Over the years, the race has continued to gain momentum to be one of the leading Asian sporting events, attracting international participants from over 30 countries from as far as Australia, France, Singapore, UK and US.

The Malakoff Powerman Asian Duathlon Championships 2012 involved a 11.4km run followed by a 64km bike finishing with a 11.4km run. It comprises of four main categories namely Powerman Elite Category, Powerman Age Group Category, Sprint Category and Team Relay Category. The individual races consisted of fourteen sub-categories : Men’s Elite and Women's Elite, Men's 20-29, Women's 20-29, Men's 30-39, Women's 30-39, Men's 40-44, Women's 40-44, Men's 45-49, Women's 45-49, Men's 50-59, Women's 50-59, Men's 60 & above and Women's 60 & above.

The Sprint Category was categorized into Men’s and Women’s categories, with a race distance of 5.7km Run-32km Bike-5.7km Run. Team Relay Category was conducted in two sub-categories of Men’s Relay and Mixed Relay, with race distance of 11.4km Run-64km Bike-11.4km Run.

Rob Woestenborghs from Belgium was elated to be crowned the champion of the Men’s Elite category for the second year in running. He said, “Winning the Championships title means a lot to me. Being the only Asian qualifier, I expected the bar to be set high and I was proven right. The course was tough and the competition was even tougher. I am pleased with what my hours of training have rewarded me.”

Meanwhile, winner of the Women’s Elite Category, Radka Vodickova from Czech Republic, who is a seasoned duathlete and also a defending champion from last year’s race said, “The race route this year at Putrajaya is definitely more challenging than the routes at Lumut. I am very happy and grateful for my win.”

Malaysia’s very own seasoned duathlete, Shahrom Abdullah, who has been qualified for Powerman Zofingen, Switzerland said, “Malakoff Powerman Asian Duathlon Championships has been an extremely challenging race and it is a good training ground for what is to be expected in Powerman Zofingen.”

Click here for the result of the top winners at this year's race.

For the complete results and photographs of Malakoff Powerman Asian Duathlon Championships 2012, please log on to www.powerman.com.my.