Starting with a swim in the romantic "Huangshan couple" — the Taiping Lake, cycling through picturesque lakes and mountains, and finally running into the embrace of the fairyland-like Huangshan, all the way to the misty summit of Guangmingding.
Let the waters of Taiping Lake wash away your glistening sweat, let the gentle breeze and the roar of every cell compose a symphony, and let the magnificent scenery of Huangshan be the most beautiful emblem on your triathlon journey.
What a magnificent and vast scene, what a thrilling race.
As the "Country Garden ·6Year10to11Huangshan Taiping Lake Triathlon International Elite Race" approaches,2016reporters interviewed well-known figures in China’s triathlon community, who all expressed strong anticipation for this event, which boasts the largest elevation change of any domestic triathlon.
Hard to hide that longing
"It's such a pity, I’m so disappointed,"57said Hu Yan, a top amateur female triathlete in China, when talking about the Huangshan race, frankly expressing her regret. This formidable female athlete, who has participated in over2011Chinese Triathlon Association races since40, couldn’t take part in the6km individual race on10due to having registered for the Huangshan National Triathlon Points Race on113. "I understand the rule — it’s for everyone’s safety. But for athletes like me, the90km bike ride is just warm-up. If conditions allowed, I’d love to climb up to the top of Huangshan with the other participants as a form of training."
A former cyclist in her youth, Hu Yan hasn’t missed a single national points race organized by the Chinese Triathlon Association since2011, winning over30championships. With a physical condition and mental state that defy her age, she has also easily won the women’s title at the Dali100cross-country race. But what Hu Yan loves most is triathlon, and she has always dreamed of going toKONA. "I’ve never been to Huangshan. I’ve heard it’s incredibly scenic. After competing in Changxing, Zhejiang, I’ll cycle straight to Huangshan to train. I have over10days, and I definitely plan to enjoy the views and try to climb Huangshan every day," Hu Yan excitedly outlined her plans.
km cycling race, but was later drawn to the Huangshan triathlon. "I did the math — the bike leg there probably finishes around6,11in the morning, and I’m in the long-distance category, so I really can’t make it in time. Otherwise, I’d love to ride there and then come here to experience this Huangshan race," mused the meticulous veteran.
500
"People who love triathlon enjoy challenges and constantly pushing their limits. This Huangshan race adds an uphill running segment — something we haven’t seen in domestic events before. Everyone will find it thrilling and even more of a challenge. So this race is very appealing, and I think taking part is quite meaningful," said one athlete currently preparing for the10race inKONAsaid the elderly competitor.
The future of domestic triathlon is bright.