Photo credit:  Professional Triathletes Organisation

Reigning Ironman world champions Lucy Charles-Barclay and Sam Laidlow  will bring their star power to the Professional Triathletes Organisation’s (PTO) Singapore T100 (formerly  known as the PTO Asian Open) on April 13 and 14, organisers announced on Monday (March 11). 

Singapore’s Olympic swimming champion Joseph Schooling will also race for the first time since he  completed National Service. The 2016 Rio Olympics 100m butterfly gold medallist participated in the  triathlon relay in the inaugural edition last year alongside fellow Team Singapore athletes Calvin Sim  (cycling) and Jasmine Goh (running). 

Schooling said: “I loved the experience and atmosphere of last year’s event and I’m thrilled to be a part  of the Singapore T100 again. I had a lot of fun swimming in a different environment from one I’m used to.  It was also nice to see my fellow Team Singapore athletes from different sports unite and be part of the  same team. It’s not often that we get to come together and I had a good time catching up with them.” 

After finishing second four times, Charles-Barclay clinched the elusive Ironman World Championship in  Kona, Hawaii last October in record time. When she takes the start line of Singapore T100 Pro Women’s  Race in Marina Bay on April 13, she will be looking to carry that energy from Kona with her as she seeks  her first T100 title.

Looking back on her world championship triumph, Charles-Barclay said: “I had dreamt of winning that  race since I came second on my pro debut back in 2017. So crossing the finish line and turning around  to see a new overall course record, and having led from start to finish, was a dream come true. 

“My first visit to Singapore last August left a strong impression and I’m excited to be returning. The city  felt like stepping into the future. Its cleanliness, greenery, and friendly people stood out. Despite not  performing my best, the supportive crowds and the battle made it one of my favourite race locations. 

“The course was super challenging. The conditions were hot and humid and I thought the 13 per cent bike climb onto the highway created significant gaps in the field and made for a fairer competition,  highlighting athletes’ strengths and weaknesses. I’m eager to return and am looking forward to the  Singapore T100 next month.” 

Laidlow, 25, will also be looking to build on his Ironman triumph and complete the Singapore T100 after  he did not finish last year’s Pro Men’s Race.  

The Frenchman, the youngest male Ironman world champion, said: “Singapore is a beautiful city and it’s  a pity I didn’t get to enjoy much of the scenery along the route last year, so I’m glad I have a second  chance. I’m looking forward to racing in Singapore again. It was well-organised and I hope I can properly  take in the sights of Marina Bay this time. I know it’ll be hot and humid but I also know the fans will be  there every step of the way encouraging us so I’m counting on them for that extra boost of energy.” 

Both Charles-Barclay and Laidlow had also completed the inaugural Miami T100 over the weekend, with  the Briton placing second while Laidlow finished ninth.  

The full line-up for the Singapore T100 will be unveiled soon.  

Full course for Singapore T100 revealed 

The PTO have also confirmed that this year’s course will be very similar to the one which drew praise from  athletes last August, with 92% saying they would recommend the triathlon and duathlons to friends; 85%  scoring the experience as excellent or very good in the post-race surveys; and ‘atmosphere’ being voted  the thing people most enjoyed*. 

The 100km race for professionals and experienced amateurs will take place against the backdrop of the  iconic Singapore skyline and comprise: 

• A 2km freshwater swim in Marina Bay – Competitors will set off in a rolling start format from the  pontoon and large marker buoys will guide them around the Bay on a point-to-point swim. With  a usual water temperature of 28°C, it is a non-wetsuit swim.
• A challenging 80km cycle on closed roads – The multi-lap 16km circuit will start and finish at the  Bayfront Event Space and take athletes up the famous Sheares Bridge to give panoramic views of  the city.  
• A flat 18km run on the waterfront promenade – set against the world-famous sights of the  Marina Bay area and the Singapore Flyer, the fast run provides a scenic backdrop to complete the  100km journey. 

For more information on the course, visit https://t100triathlon.com/singapore/participate. Details of the  two duathlons – Standard (4.5km Run/32km Bike/4.5km Run) and Long (9km Run/64km Bike/9km Run) Distance – will also be available.