Redzman vs Desaru: His 113 International Triathlon Malaysia Comeback
For most, the 113 International Triathlon Desaru Malaysia 2025 is just another race on the calendar. For Redzman Bin Ridzuan, it’s personal.
This weekend, he returns to a course that once tested every part of him: mentally, physically, and emotionally. Last year’s IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru pushed him to the edge. The waves were rough, the wind unforgiving, and the run? A sun-scorched uphill battle that left its mark. Now, he’s coming back. Not to erase the past, but to confront it.
“Last year, the Desaru course gave me a tough time. So this time at the 113 Triathlon, it’s personal,” Redzman says. “I’m back to make things right and see where my fitness really stands.” This isn’t about revenge. It’s about reflection. About using the same terrain that once broke him as a mirror to measure how far he’s come.
“This race is definitely a test. After what I went through on this course last year, it’s my chance to revisit that challenge with a stronger mindset and better prep,” he says. “It’s also a checkpoint to see where I stand before Langkawi.” With IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi looming in December, the 113 International Triathlon Desaru Malaysia 2025 isn’t just a warm-up. It’s a launchpad.
But Redzman’s road to the start line hasn’t been polished. With two jobs and a packed schedule, his swim training — his most technical and challenging discipline — has taken a hit. “It’s tough to squeeze in swim sessions consistently. So I’ve been focusing more on the bike and run,” he admits. “The swim is still my weakest, but I know I need to get back in the pool soon.”
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That said, he’s not showing up unprepared. His weeks have been filled with long weekend rides, punishing runs, midweek bricks, and sweat-drenched sessions under the late-morning sun. All intentionally timed to mimic race-day heat. “Cap and shades are a must,” he says with a grin. “And nutrition is everything.”
Though his strategy for pacing and fueling is still a work in progress, Redzman sees this race as the perfect lab to test what works and what doesn’t. “I’ll be trying out a few things on race day. This is where I’ll figure it all out.”
What hasn’t changed is the support system around him. Since 2023, Redzman has been part of Team KucingGemokRunners, a community of triathletes as obsessed with the sport as they are with pushing each other forward. “They’re the reason I’ve been training consistently,” he says. “Their positive, supportive energy makes all the difference.”
But when the miles start to feel endless, Redzman doesn’t rely on gear. He turns inward. “My mantra is: ‘I’ve gone too far to quit. Just finish it. Ingat mak abah.’ That line grounds me. It reminds me why I started.”
His goal for this race? Sub-6. Realistic. Focused. And fiercely personal. “I just want to survive the swim, hold steady on the bike, and then dig deep on the run. That’s where I’m ready to leave it all out there.”
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Because for Redzman, Desaru isn’t the destination. It’s another stepping stone toward the dream: a sub-5 finish at IRONMAN Langkawi someday. Not today, maybe. But soon. “My goal this year is sub-5:20. Step by step.”
When the finish line tape drops and the crowd fades, Redzman won’t be measuring the success of this race in minutes or medals. What he’s chasing is something far less tangible, but far more lasting. “Once the dust settles, I want to walk away with a renewed sense of purpose. A reminder of why I started this journey. It’s not just about finishing races. It’s about consistently showing up, pushing my limits, and growing from every session.”
This weekend, Redzman returns to the very place that once tested him most. And this time, he’s ready to answer back.
Whether you’re an endurance fan, a first-time triathlon spectator, or just curious about the sport, the 113 International Triathlon Desaru Malaysia 2025 welcomes you to witness the action up close. The event is open to the public, and spectators are encouraged to come experience the energy, cheer on the athletes, and soak in the thrill of long-course racing at one of Malaysia’s most scenic coastal venues.
