Knock this off your bucket list – 2014 MetaMan Bintan Full and Half Iron Distance Registration is Open
Friday 8 November 2013, 5:18PM
By MetaSport
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Southeast Asia’s premier iron-distance triathlon, MetaMan Bintan has opened early bird registrations for the 23-25 August 2014 event.
In 2012 to 2013 entrants doubled and events organisers MetaSport are expecting 2014 to double again with athletes travelling from throughout Asia, Australia and America to take on the gruelling course
MetaMan Bintan is back with a lavish prize purse of US$134,000 sure to attract some of the world’s finest pro athletes yet again. Many age-group and pro athlete’s used MetaMan Bintan as a warm-up race for the Ironman world championships in Kona, with Bintan having very similar conditions and a course that is equally as tough.
“Metaman was one of the toughest Ironman distance races, I have ever done but what a beautiful place to suffer on.” says Tim Van Berkel, MetaMan Bintan Runner Up 2013
Conveniently located on Singapore’s doorstep, MetaMan takes place on the nearby tropical Indonesian haven of Bintan Island. The race returns to the Nirwana Gardens resort, where, since 2005 and 2010 consecutively, MetaSport have also held the hugely successful Bintan Triathlon festival and Tour de Bintan bike race
”The course itself is wonderful. The beaches are pristine with clear, clean water. The bike course is very interesting, the road surfaces are very good and the support from the locals is wonderful. The local police do a very good job of making the roads safe. At no point did I ever feel unsafe out there during the bike leg.” says Courtney Ogden,MetaMan Bintan 2013 Winner.
It’s more than the prize purse that attracts competitors to MetaMan Bintan. It is also well known for its challenging course – even in Iron standards. Although the crystal clear water is pan flat, the bike course will really test your mental and physical strength and the run is unique with the majority of it off road through the Wakatobi jungle.
The 7 lap run is also a favourite for the competitors as they pass the cheering crowds of the resort 7 times, spurring them on during those final kilometres.
The facilities for the athletes and their families at Nirwana Gardnes are second to none and make the MetaMan the perfect destination race. Aside from recceing and racing the bike leg, there is no need to ever leave the picturesque resort. The start, finish, registration and race expo are all just minutes walk from the reception, and five different types of accommodation are available, ranging from family villas and beachside chalets to luxury suites.
Restaurant choices abound and pre/post-race massages can be enjoyed at the resort spa or in your own room. A range of water sports are available at the Water Sports Centre or you can just lie on the golden beaches and soak up the sun. A kids club and the huge resort pool it sits beside makes sure the little ones won’t get bored either.
Bintan is just an hour’s ferry ride from Singapore, and the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is right next to Changi International Airport making for easy transfers for the athletes, both professional and amateur.
With Nirwana Gardens being part of the special Bintan Resorts area, clearing immigration is also a breeze and Nirwana is just a 10-minute shuttle ride away.
Visit www.metamanbintan.com for full details of the race and to register.
About MetaSport
MetaSport is a leading sport management company in Asia with its head office in Singapore.
Expert in the sports of triathlon, cycling, running and swimming, MetaSport specialize in event management and training services for individuals and corporations.
Its name (Meta = Greek for “Beyond”) originated from a desire to take individuals and communities to new levels, BEYOND where they have been before, through endurance sports.
About Nirwana Gardens
Nirwana Gardens, Bintan, is an integrated resort that comprises of 5 different beachfront resorts. Spanning across 330 hectares of lush tropical land and powder-soft beaches, there is
Nirwana Resort Hotel – the sun-kissed paradise for fun seekers;
Mayang Sari Beach Resort – a reclusive getaway for the urban-weary;
Nirwana Beach Club – a haven for sea sports enthusiasts;
Banyu Biru Villas – homes for the cosy reunions and
Indra Maya Pool Villas – where ultimate privacy and luxury is a priority.
Nirwana Gardens is situated on the north-western coast of Bintan Island. Getting there is via a 55 minutes ride on fast speed catamaran from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore, followed by coach transfer from Bintan Ferry Terminal to the resort.
For more information, please visit www.nirwanagardens.com