Ironman Corporate Award for most teams entered goes to…

Port Elizabeth hosted a perfect race weekend packed with thrilling triathlon action and idyllic weather on 14 and 15 April, and local tyre manufacturer Continental Tyre South Africa had plenty reason to celebrate after taking the lion’s share of the trophies in the Isuzu Corporate Triathlon Challenge, held on Saturday at the Friendly City’s popular Hobie Beach.

More than 1 500 athletes lined up at the start of the corporate event, comprising a 380 m swim, 18 km cycle and 4.2 km run, but it was once again the Continental-backed competitors that reinforced their dominance of this race for the third year in a row, cheered on by the throngs of enthusiastic spectators.

Running in Continental colours, rising triathlon star Jamie Riddle claimed his first Corporate Triathlon Challenge victory in a time of 45:01, ahead of second-placed Derron Thomson who crossed the finish line in 46:14.

In the ladies race, Continental-backed Amber Schlebusch was in a class of her own, earning her second consecutive title in a time of 51:28, over seven minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

Continental led the charge in the team event too, with its Team SportContact trio of swimmer Ceajay Bosman, cyclist Slater Black and runner Amos Nyongo powering their way to glory in an impressive time of 42:43 sec. Team EcoContact joined them on the podium after a third-placed finish with a time of 43:29.

“We are incredibly happy with this result after dominating the Corporate Triathlon Challenge for the third year in a row,” said Ryan Visagie, Continental’s Marketing Communications Manager and team manager for the event. “Overall it was a fantastic race, and it showed the tremendous pool of talented athletes that represented us at this great event. Everyone worked together so well, and we can be very proud of what Team Continental achieved today.”

Besides the outstanding individual and team wins, the tyre company also received the award for the largest number of corporate entries, with a total of 19 Continental teams having competed in the Corporate Triathlon Challenge.