Garmin Ocean-Lava 113K Triathlon - National Long Distance Triathlon Championship 2016 : Race Presentation

After calling Birzebbugia its home for nearly a decade, the tenth edition of the Garmin Ocean Lava Malta 113km triathlon moves to a new base this year.
 
Scheduled to be held on Sunday 15th May, the Bahar ic-Caghaq Coast Road has been chosen as venue for this year’s race and combines all the necessary ingredients for a challenging route that includes flat stretches, undulating hills and steep turns which require a strong focus by those taking part.
 
Thanks to the support of the Malta Tourism Authority the race will welcome athletes from Slovenia, The Netherlands, Cyprus, United Kingdom and Italy. A strong Maltese participation will see a good mix of familiar and new faces join the foray.
 
“It is very encouraging to see the growth of this race. This year has been full of milestones -  we have joined the international brand Ocean Lava, we will introduce electronic timing, we are celebrating ten years and once again it has been designated as a National Championship race by the Malta Triathlon Federation” commented Charlie Demanuele, Race Founder and Director. “We are also pleased to see a number of athletes moving up from relay participation last year, to full distance this year.  This reiterates our belief that this race is a great opportunity to test one’s performance in endurance racing, building up gradually as they progress in the sport”.
 
The Race will kick off on Sunday 15th May at 6:30am with a 1.9k swim in Palm Beach, Bahar ic-Caghaq, followed by a 90km cycle – consisting of 7 loops of approximately 13km each along the Coast Road, heading up to Pembroke and going all the way to Salina. A 21km run will complete the distance wherein athletes will run three loops of 7km each from the transition area in Palm Beach towards Salina. 
 
Participation in the race is either on an individual basis, where athletes undertake the full distance of 113kms or through relay participation which sees three athletes teaming up to undertake one of the three disciplines.
 
“The Malta Triathlon Federation is pleased to have once again designated this race as the National Long Distance Championships once again. Previous years’ success prove that such races aid the growth and development of triathlon, especially in the endurance category”, said Cyprian Dalli, President of the Malta Triathlon Federation.
 
Electronic Timing
This year the Race will also see the introduction of electronic timing. The Agones ARRTS Timing System will use a transponder and timing points at transition and finish are connected wirelessly and will ensure accurate timing for each athlete. A fully refundable €20 deposit is required to be paid when collecting timing chip. This will be given back immediately after the race when the timing chip is given back to Time Keeping Officials.
 
Post-Race Massage
A Post Race Massage station will be set up, compliments of Perskindol (NM Arrigo Ltd), and will be on a first come first served basis.
 
Prizes
We have increased our prize pool, with some more exciting gifts being given to winners. We have also revised our Age Groups from previous years to give more athletes opportunities to be rewarded for their efforts.   

We remind you that all athletes will be given the opportunity to take part in a raffle where the following prizes can be won:-
 
1st Prize -  Registration to any European Middle Distance Triathlon of your choice (subject the chosen Race Terms & Conditions) together with flight to destination, kindly donated by Go & Fun (Malta)
2nd Prize – Garmin Fenix 3 GPS watch, kindly donated by Garmin Malta 
3rd Prize – Blue Seventy Wetsuit, kindly donated by The Cyclist (San Gwann)
 
Prize giving for the Top Three Male and Female athletes will take place at 13:00hrs.  The rest of the Age Groupers and raffle draw will take place later on when the last athlete comes in. We remind you that winners of the raffle prizes are to be present in order for them to claim their prize. 

We always harp on this, and we do appreciate that it is a long day for all, but do please make an effort to stay on to cheer the athletes. A show of support can go a long way for athletes who might have had a longer day than others! So do stay on! 
 
Registration
Registrations will be accepted until Friday 13th May during Race Briefing, however the team would appreciate if Registrations are not left to the last minute as it makes things easier especially in terms of goody bags, logistics etc.
 
Race Briefing
Race Briefing will take place on Friday 13th May at 7pm at Saracino’s Café in Attard.  Athletes will be able to collect their t-shirts, goody bag and Timing Chip. Any athlete unable to attend are requested to send someone in their stead and advise the organising team immediately.
 
Sponsors
The Garmin Ocean Lava Malta 113k triathlon is once again being supported by Garmin, represented in Malta by Medcomms Ltd., Go & Fun, Sancture Sportifs, Saracino Catering, The Cyclist, Urban Jungle, Malta Tourism Authority, emvigee pr & marketing, Mochika, Perskindol, Scott. The Race is sanctioned by the Malta Triathlon Federation, timekeeping assistance and logistical assistance is being provided by Agones SFC and Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club.
 
 
Detailed information about the race can be found on www.oceanlavamalta.com or via email on info@oceanlavamalta.com
​

---