Three-in-one Asia Cup international triathlon biggest ever

MANILA, Philippines — The 3-in-1 2018 NTT Asia Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon slated April 21-22 at the Subic Bay Freeportpromises to be the most significant edition ever.

As an Asian Cup Series 2018 event under the supervision of International Triathlon Union and Asian Triathlon Confederation, it offers ITU points for Asian and world rankings and qualification to major international competitions such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics triathlon and other international events.

To be held on the final day in conjunction with SUBIT is the Subic Bay SEA Championships envisioned to alternate with the SEAG triathlon.

Serving as the curtain raiser is the test race for the Asian Youth Olympic Games (YOG) qualifier slatedJune 17.

Tom Carrasco, president of both the organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines and Southeast Asian Games Triathlon Association said this year’s SUBIT will be one big celebration.

“We will not only commemorate the 25th anniversary of SUBIT, by far the country’s longest running triathlon competition, and the partnership of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and TRAP. We will celebrate TRAP’s award bestowed by Philippine Sportswriters Association as the “National Sports Association of the Year 2017”.

“Moreover,  SUBIT 2018 serves as the vehicle for the revival of SEATA which was founded in Subic Bay Freeport 10 years ago,” Carrasco said.

Close to 800 triathletes have already entered including 41 elite men and 14 elite women from Australia, United States, Portugal, New Zealand, Palestine, Israel, Japan, China, Korea, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Macau, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Nepal.

The event is sponsored by the PSC, POC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Arena, New Balance, Philippine STAR, Gatorade, Omega Pain Killer, Standard Insurance, Lighthouse Marina Resort, Century Tuna, Gatorade, Subic Holiday Villas, Travelers Hotel, ACEA, Asian Center for Insulation and Solar Sport.