Kota Kinabalu: Yatim Zainal Abidin is ready to compete in the Vinfast Ironman 70.3 World Championship scheduled to be held in Lahti, Finland on August 27.
The 47-year-old Sabahan, who will be taking part in the 45-49 age group, said he is well prepared for the challenge consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run after weeks of training.
“I have had three weeks of intensive high altitude training in running and cycling as well as swimming in very cold water.
“This time I trained twice as hard as I did for the race in Samorin in 2021. It is going very well and my time in all the disciplines has definitely improved as a result.
“I am physically and mentally fit and ready to race. There is no pressure at all and I will give my very best,” he said on Tuesday.
Yatim, who left for Lahti on Wednesday, said his only concern is the transportation of his equipment.
“I had encountered problems for the race in Samorin where my equipment including my bicycle was stuck in Kuala Lumpur.
“Hopefully it won’t happen again. I need to make sure they will arrive on time for me to prepare for training as I will be arriving three weeks ahead to get used to the weather and environment.
“I’m going alone again with no support personnel but there will be a group of triathletes from Kuala Lumpur and they will only arrive a week after me.”
He had earlier indicated that this will be his swansong in the international scene and hopes it will be a better outing than he did at the “The Challenge-Family The Championship” race in Samorin, Slovakia in 2021.
His maiden appearance in the world meet ended on a sour note when he was forced to pull out from the race after encountering difficulty in the freezing waters.
Meanwhile, he thanked Sabah Sports Board, D’Villa Rina Ria Lodge, Ararat Sports and others who have given their support.
