Tony Dodds (New Zealand) and Yuliya Yelistratova (Ukraine) Win Hong Kong Triathlon 2013

The New World International Triathlon 2013, the very first international triathlon held in urban Hong Kong, took place on Sunday.

With the world renowned Victoria Harbour as the backdrop, over 300 athletes from around the world, including four Olympians, and local elite athletes competed in the triathlon.

Tony Dodds (New Zealand) garnered the championship in the Men's Elite category and Yuliya Yelistratova (Ukraine) netted the championship in the Women's Elite Category.

New World International Triathlon's participants first took part in the 1,200 m swimming segment near the International Mail Centre at the Victoria Harbour followed by a 30 km cycling stint along Princess Margaret Road Link, Hung Hom Bypass and Salisbury Road. The 7.5 km running segment along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade wrapped up the triathlon, with the Avenue of Stars as the finishing point.

The much-anticipated Elite category kicked off at 9:30am, with Raymond Young, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Chung Kong-Mo, Chairman of Yau Tsim Mong District Council, Gary Chen, Executive Director and Joint General Manager of New World Development Company Limited and Genevieve Pong, Co-founder of AQUAWIZ officiating at the gunfire ceremony.

The Men's Elite category was fiercely contested - Tony Dodds (New Zealand) finished in 01:24:49, reigning supreme throughout the entire race ahead of first runner-up, Simon Agoston (Austria), by a staggering 79 seconds. Second runner-up was Yuichi Hosoda (Japan).

Yuliya Yelistratova (Ukraine) garnered the championship of the Women's Elite category race scooping a time of 01:38:11, taking the lead in the middle of the race. Kate Rutherford (Hong Kong) and Joyce Cheung Ting Yan (Hong Kong) finished second and third respectively.

Genevieve Pong, Co-founder of Aquawaiz, said, "We are thrilled to make history here in Tsim Sha Tsui East with this international triathlon. The first triathlon held in urban Hong Kong, the event marks a milestone in the development of the sport of triathlon in our city since previous triathlons were held in the rural areas. We believe the triathlon has shaped the growth of local elite athletes, who had the chance to compete alongside renowned Olympians, and also Hong Kong's sports scene. We would like to extend our gratitude to the government and other supporting parties involved for helping us close down the roads within Tsim Sha Tsui East, thereby making the triathlon a huge success."

Tony Dodds, winner of the Men's Elite category, is impressed by the immaculate planning of the competition. He said, "The triathlon showcased professionalism in its various arrangements. Winning the championship of the triathlon in a metropolitan like Hong Kong means a lot to me. I would like to express my gratitude towards the event organiser for inviting me to participate in the race and I would be honoured to defend the championship title in the beautiful city of Hong Kong next year."

See also: Pictures from Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2013