Challenge Laguna Phuket’s Tri-Fest carnival, which will see thousands of international athletes from around the world descend on the island for the legendary Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) on 23 November celebrating its 21st birthday this year by welcoming back the returning Challenge Laguna Phuket a week later on 30 November was previewed by organisers and sponsors in a special conference at Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Bangkok.

The multi-media event showcased some of the elite triathlon stars set to compete in both races and thrill spectators who each year throng to see the action in the spectacular swim, bike and run courses in and around Laguna Phuket.

This year’s Challenge Laguna Phuket field is headed by the hottest name in international triathlon – Australia’s Melissa Hauschildt, 2013 ITU Long distance World Championship and 2014 Laguna Phuket Triathlon’s and Challenge Laguna Phuket’s double winners in women’s field. Melissa is defending her champion title against Belinda Granger (AUS), Radka Vodickova (CZE), and Rebekah Keat (AUS).

Rasmus Petraeus (DEN) is also defending his Challenge Laguna Phuket Champion title from last year in the race against Ruedi Wild (SUI), last year Laguna Phuket Triathlon’s champion; Massimo Cigana (ITA), and Luke McKenzie (AUS) to name a few.

LPT and Challenge Laguna Phuket are linked by a Tri-Fest of training and social activities at Laguna Phuket during the week between the two races.
The Bangkok conference was addressed by Mr. Santi Pawai, Director of Tourism & Sports Phuket Office; as well as sponsor representatives Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director of Advertising and Public Relations, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); and Event Director Prapa Hemmin representing Laguna Phuket. Also presented at the Conference was multiple years sponsor TIMEX represented by Pisan Taraphat, Vice President – Distribution, Thailand.

“The enduring appeal of Laguna Phuket Triathlon and the unique challenges of Challenge Laguna Phuket are attracting entries from leading international pro athlete personalities, as well as age groupers worldwide,” said Prapa Hemmin, Event Director at the Conference,

“To date, a combined 1,500 athletes have signed up for the two main races. Registration for the 2014 half distance Challenge Laguna Phuket is open until 20 November and total of approximately 1,800 athletes are expected to sign up this year.”

Further information: www.challengelagunaphuket.com