Thailand Tri-League has fast become one of my favorite triathlon series in Asia. Since first racing in Cha Am and Pattaya last year, I've noticed a huge improvement in the quality and organization of their events. Kobkiat Sangwanich has a unique vision and approach to organizing and promoting triathlon, with his background in entertainment and sport. He and his Sport Master crew definitely know how to put on a great event on and off the race course; making the decision to come back and kick off my 2016 season at the Bangsaen Triathlon last February 21 the obvious choice.
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Just over an hour drive outside of Bangkok, Bangsaen is a favorite tourist spot for many locals and foreginers in Thailand. The long beach, rows of hotels, bars, shopping stalls, and smooth roads make it a perfect location for a fast and fun 1.5km swim - 42km cycle - 10km run.
With about 1,200 participants on a mostly flat 2-loop course, I was a bit worried about the congestion on the roads for our second lap on the bike. But the Sport Master crew definitely stepped up their game, and improved upon their previous races by putting in bigger gaps on the wave start times, and also thoroughly briefing the participants.
I was very impressed by the fact that though 50% were first-time racers, riders were respectful and aware of cycling etiquette and drafting rules, and kept to the sides except to overtake. A massive improvement from my experience in Cha Am last year, where riders were in full on pelotons going every which way.
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