India's first international triathlon in Goa

India's first international triathlon scheduled in february next year in goa is being timed around the carnival to ensure that not only locals but tourists too can participate and...

If everything falls in place, India might see its first international triathlon, a contest that involves swimming, cycling and running, in Goa on February 14 next year.

Considering that people have started become fashionably fitness conscious, Grey Matter Entertainment, the brainchild of the event, in association with Fountainhead, are all set to portray Goa in a positive way.

"By conducting the triathlon, we want to substantiate Goa in a very positive way," Chief Executive Officer Grey Matter, Chandradev Bhagat told MiD DAY.



Celeb search
While the organisers are still in the process of getting celebrities on board to promote the event in a grand way as well as trying to find sponsors, they have hired the services of Roman Floesser, a German national, who holds a degree in Sport and Event management from Griffith University, Australia.

Floesser, who has been part of several marathons and triathlons around the world, is the race director and has given his thumbs up to Goa.

"It is a fantastic place," Floesser said.

Huge effort
"Though there will be a lot of effort required in terms of volunteers, infrastructure-wise Goa is just perfect. The roads are more or less brilliant and the weather conditions around the time of the triathlon will be perfect," Floesser added.

Since this will be the inaugural edition, the organisers have left entries open till the last minute.

"We have deliberately planned the triathlon around the Goa Carnival. And as there will be a lot of tourists around, we have even decided to keep the entries open till the last minute," Bhagat informed.

Floesser, who is a founding member of Go Adventure Asia's event management division, is meanwhile, trying to get professionals to participate in the Goa event.

"We are in talks with pros, and are hoping to rope in at least six or seven athletes," Floesser said.