PHUKET: An ambitious plan to bring international world-class sport to Phuket's west coast holiday hub of Patong has been cancelled.
The Local Organising Committee of the Phuket ITU Long Distance Triathlon Series event announced the cancellation of the 2013 event overnight.
To be promoted by the Absolute brand, the world series International Triathlon Union sanctioned event was to have been held in Patong on November 9-10.
The swimming segment of the main race would have taken place in Patong Bay, with the 40 kilometre cycling segment on the road to Karon and back to Patong and the running segment around the Patong one-way system.
Part of a series of ITU Long Distance Triathlon events around the world, the organisers secured a slot for Phuket in the global schedule.
However, a media release from the organisers issued overnight says the event has been cancelled ''due to reasons out of their control.''
''The organisers feel it is no longer possible to put on the event to global standards specified by ITU in the timeframe remaining.'' the release says.
''The organisers are disappointed to have to announce cancellation of the 2013 event and will reassess options for Phuket hosting such a prestigious event again in the future.
''The organisers would like to thank the provincial authorities for their support throughout.''
The cancellation leaves the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest as Phuket's sole international triathlon event.
The twentieth staging of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon will take place on November 24 with the Challenge Laguna Phuket to follow on December 1.
The Local Organising Committee of the Phuket ITU Long Distance Triathlon Series event announced the cancellation of the 2013 event overnight.
To be promoted by the Absolute brand, the world series International Triathlon Union sanctioned event was to have been held in Patong on November 9-10.
The swimming segment of the main race would have taken place in Patong Bay, with the 40 kilometre cycling segment on the road to Karon and back to Patong and the running segment around the Patong one-way system.
Part of a series of ITU Long Distance Triathlon events around the world, the organisers secured a slot for Phuket in the global schedule.
However, a media release from the organisers issued overnight says the event has been cancelled ''due to reasons out of their control.''
''The organisers feel it is no longer possible to put on the event to global standards specified by ITU in the timeframe remaining.'' the release says.
''The organisers are disappointed to have to announce cancellation of the 2013 event and will reassess options for Phuket hosting such a prestigious event again in the future.
''The organisers would like to thank the provincial authorities for their support throughout.''
The cancellation leaves the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest as Phuket's sole international triathlon event.
The twentieth staging of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon will take place on November 24 with the Challenge Laguna Phuket to follow on December 1.
Probably a good idea - it was ridiculous to even consider Patong as a venue for the event. There are far more suitable locations on the island.
Posted by Mister Ree on June 13, 2013 10:14