More Photos >>

Aaron Farlow from Australia won the Desaru-Pengerang International Long Distance Triathlon 2008 with a spirited performance which took his opponents by surprise. The 26-year-old who finished fourth last year   came charging through to win the race in a time of 4hrs 9:21secs and pocket the RM10,000 winner's cheque.

The pre race favourite, Pete Jacobs of Australia who is also the defending champion, was beaten into second place in a time of 4hrs 24:35secs while Canadian Mathieu O'Hallaron was third in 4hrs: 31:29secs. For Farlow, victory was sweet and totally unexpected, too. After all, he had just flown in from his training camp in Germany where the cooler climate is a vast difference from the heat and humidity of the Desaru beach resort. But he overcame it all to beat his more established opponents for the biggest victory of his career since he turned professional in 2001.

"People say, I would not adjust to the climate here after coming from Germany. But it's the training in Europe which has made me a better athlete and given me the confidence to tackle whatever the situation," said Farlow.
But from the start of the race, it didn't look like Farlow was going to win.

He came off the 2km swim trailing defending champion Jacobs by a good one minute but it was in the 90km cycle which proved to be Farlow's strong point and by the time they got to the 21km run, he was the undisputed leader. "The London Olympics in 2012 is my ultimate aim. That's where I want to be," said Farlow who came in fourth last year. Jacobs, who came in second, admitted he was beaten by a better athlete yesterday.

"Farlow got stronger after each discipline. But I have to admit that I didn't feel good in the bike race and it got worse. But I am not offering any excuse. Farlow was the better athlete today," he said.
A total of 480 participants took part in the race which was flagged off by Johor State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Hoo Seong Chang.

Source by:
Dan Guen Chin
BERNAMA