Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff) on 14 November 2010 flagged off the much anticipated Powerman Malaysia 2010 in Seri Manjung, Perak, with a record 963 racers from 32 countries, displaying their athletic prowess and unyielding endurance in this run-bike-run, multi sport event.

Notwithstanding the early morning drizzle, a triumphant Joerie Vansteelant who stormed through the competition to win the Men’s Elite category was ecstatic at his success. The 28 year old, Belgian beamed, “With today’s win at Powerman Malaysia, this season has been one of my best. I am really pleased with my timing too. This is better than what I had hoped to achieve. So, all the long hours of grueling training and discipline seems to have paid off.”

Speaking about his week-long training in Manjung, he responded, “This place is fantastic to train. Though the weather slowed me down a bit, the challenging course helped me to push the bar.”

In the Women's Elite race, it was a close fight between defending champion Radka Vodickova (CZE) and 2nd place winner from 2009, Camilla Lindholm (SWE). In the final run leg however, Radka picked up the pace to come in first once again with the time 3:01:57. Camilla Lindholm, recently recognised as the number one female duathlete in the world, beamed victoriously although she had to be satisfied with her second-placing in the race. “While I endured many health challenges this season, I was determined to give it nothing but my very best. I trained very diligently this whole year and am happy with my performance.”

“I must say I thoroughly enjoyed Powerman Malaysia. This is my second time in Manjung and I definitely want to come back here for the next year’s race,” said the 35 year old Swede.

Leading up to the event, Camilla also led a series of workshops and clinics sponsored by Malakoff to encourage aspiring duathletes to excel in this endurance sport. Among Malaysia’s star talent, Shahrom Abdullah who came in seventh in the race, appeared poised. Having trained long and hard over the last six months, he said he gave the race his best shot and had no regrets.

Among Malaysia’s star talent, Shahrom Abdullah who came in seventh in the race, appeared poised. Having trained long and hard over the last six months, he said he gave the race his best shot and had no regrets.

About his performance, the humble 31 year old responded, “With all the world-class duathletes competing today, I am glad with my performance as I gave it my 100%. Now my aim is to participate in Asian Championship Duathlon next week and push my limits further.”

Powerman Malaysia awards prize money totalling RM 100,000 to winners in 18 categories and forms part of the International Powerman Series. The event also holds the distinction of being the only Asian qualifier for the annual Powerman World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland.

At the awards presentation ceremony, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, the Managing Director and CEO of Malakoff said, “Malakoff is pleased to be presenting Powerman Malaysia as part of the International Powerman Series for the ninth consecutive time in Malaysia and fifth in Manjung.”

“It is our hope that this event will continue to contribute to the promotion of the state of Perak, and in particular, the municipality of Manjung, as an attractive tourist destination,” he added.

Over the years, Powerman Malaysia has seen a steady increase in the number of participants as well as followers of the sport, bringing festive cheer and economic buzz to this region. Followers of the Powerman race come to Malaysian shores from countries such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States America, with this list continuing to grow every year.

“I welcome the first time representatives from Austria, Bolivia, Denmark, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Norway, Russia, Slovakia and Vietnam. This representation is indeed a clear indication of the increasing popularity of the event, well beyond the Asian shores,” said Ahmad Jauhari. From an initial count of 237 racers in 2002, participation has swelled up to thrice the number over the years. In 2007, 580 participants from over 20 countries took part in the race, while last year saw close to 780 participants from 28 countries competing for the top positions.