Laguna Lang Co – Vietnam Airlines Triathlon 2013 Set To Raise Benchmarks

Inaugural destination triathlon at Vietnam’s first and largest world-class integrated resort led by elite pro field.

Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam, 13 April 2013 – A host of elite triathlon professionals and enthusiastic age groupers has gathered in central Vietnam at Laguna Lăng Cô – the country’s first and largest world-class integrated resort – for a unique inaugural event set to raise the benchmarks of destination triathlon.

The Laguna Lăng Cô – Vietnam Airlines Triathlon 2013 will be staged in the pristine scenic surroundings of the new resort on Sunday 14 April, with a pro line-up headed by the legendary two-time Ironman World Champion Chris “Macca” McCormack of Australia competing for a share of the US$15,000 prize purse..

It aims to build on the success of its sister event, the legendary Laguna Phuket Triathlon, which has a history of attracting international pros and amateurs alike during its 20-year history.

The Laguna Lăng Cô – Vietnam Airlines Triathlon 2013 will comprise a 1.8km swim, a 62km bike ride and a 12km run. There will also be a duathlon of a 6km run, 62km bike ride and a 12km run, with a 6km Fun Run rounding off the programme.

As well as the legendary Chris McCormack – reigning Laguna Phuket Triathlon Champion – the pro line-up includes Czech Republic Olympian Radka Vodickova, current women’s Laguna Phuket Champion, veteran 14-time Ironman distance title winner Belinda Granger of Australia; American Chris Lieto, a U.S. Ironman Champion with three top 10 Ironman World Championship finishes, Sweden’s Frederik Croneborg and Justin Granger of Australia.

“We’re delighted to have such a strong pro field for our first-ever triathlon here,” said Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Lăng Cô.

“I’m sure that everyone who takes part tomorrow will be thrilled to race amid such a spectacular setting. We hope this inaugural event will put Laguna Lăng Cô Integrated Resort on the map not only as a word-class destination for triathletes, but also as a world-class destination for all travellers and second-home seekers.

We are honoured to have the support from Vietnam Airlines as the official title sponsor of the Laguna Lăng Cô – Vietnam Airlines Triathlon 2013.

Having the national airline of Vietnam as official sponsor reaffirms the significance of our triathlon, not only as a sporting event for athletes, but also as a showcase of Lang Co as a stunning travel destination.

“We also express our appreciation to the People’s Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province for its continuous support and licensing of the event, to the relevant departments who have provided invaluable assistance to the pre-race preparations and to all our partners and sponsors, who have supported and made it possible for the first Laguna Lăng Cô Triathlon 2013 to become a reality,” he said.

Roman Floesser, Race Director of Laguna Phuket Triathlon and his experienced management team are organising the event and participants will recognise some other familiar features that have given Laguna Phuket Triathlon its legendary reputation – a five-star pasta party on Saturday night, post-race buffet and complementary massages on Sunday immediately after the race and Awards Party on Sunday evening.

Yet another familiar feature will be the voice of triathlon in Asia, Whit Raymond, who will serving as race announcer and MC throughout the weekend.

And in keeping with a Laguna Phuket Triathlon tradition, the new Laguna Lang Co event will have a charity element, with fund raising in partnership with pro athlete Chris Lieto’s More Than Sport foundation to raise money for sanitation projects in a number of local schools.