Ever since I was told about the Goa Triathlon on a quiet Sunday afternoon in early November 2016, I have been sucked into the swim-cycle-run Triathlon mode completely. Wake up time is 6 am every day and the early morning training drill includes two triathlon events every day. Swimming followed by cycling or cycling followed by running and every Sunday morning sees me join swimmers from the Goa Open Water Swim Club swim several hundred metres into the Bambolim bay.
Hence, if you notice some heightened activity among the runners, cyclists and swimmers in your own neighbourhood, do not be overtly alarmed. It is just some local triathletes gearing up for the February 12, 2017 Goa Triathlon.
This year, the 4th Goa Triathlon is once again being organised by the Panjim based Enduro Sports Goa, this time in aid of COOJ mental health foundation. A look at Enduro’s statistics will reveal that the event has grown from strength to strength over the last three years. From having just 100 triathletes taking part in the first edition, the event has seen close to 500 triathletes who have already registered for the event this year from India and across the globe.
The popularity of the event is there for all to see. Pablo Erat, Swiss International triathlete and winner of the Goa Individual Olympic Triathlon on all the three occasions, said, “The beauty of Goa, the hospitality of the local community and organisers and the exotic character of the event itself makes the race a truly unique and memorable experience.” Not surprisingly, Pablo will be part of the starting line-up on February 12 this year.
The Goa Triathlon offers athletes the choice of three categories: The Super Sprint Triathlon, The Olympic Triathlon and the Team Olympic Triathlon and is open to participants over the age of 16. The Olympic event begins with a 1.5 km swim in the serene Bambolim bay, immediately followed by a 40-km bicycle ride on the Goa University road and ending with a 10 km run on the same road to be completed in a maximum time of five hours.
The USP of the Goa Triathlon is that it is the only triathlon in India to include an open water sea swim as well as a cycle and running course closed off to all vehicular traffic.
Speaking to Café, Elias Patel, founder and partner of Enduro Sports Goa, said, “We are extremely excited to welcome triathletes from across the world and show them true Goan hospitality. Safety of participants is our primary concern and all efforts have been made to ensure a smooth experience for them.” According to Patel, a 100-strong specially trained volunteer force will be deployed to take care of participants’ needs.
For the 2017 edition, The Goa Triathlon will also feature an event expo from 11am on February 11 till 3 pm on February 12 at The Bambolim Beach Resort where partners and associates of the event will display their products. The event is supported by the Goa Tourism Department.
The event is also very fan-friendly. Fans can catch the swimming action from designated areas on the Bambolim beach from 6:30 am onwards and also the transition stages of cycling and the final running finish at the Bambolim Beach Resort. According to Patel, fans can line up and encourage the triathletes on the Goa University road as they complete their cycling and running legs.
