Gibsons Bintan Triathlon

Posted date:

31.05.16

Tags:

New Year’s Resolutions are meant to be for things like giving up smoking, losing weight, or learning a new language and after a few weeks are often quietly forgotten.
Not so for the Gibson Shipbroking team in Singapore who decided to take part in the 2016 Bintan Sprint Triathlon.

“The idea was born as a New Year’s Resolution in early January 2016 to add some office banter and team spirit,” Gibson’s Director of Dry Bulk Nick Ward tells TradeWinds.
“Training was done in secret and individually with no one wanting to give away how hard they were trying.”

So Saturday (28 May) the team of ten found themselves on the Indonesian island, which is just a short boat ride from Singapore, each facing a 750 metre swim, a 20 km bike ride and a 5km run along with 250 other competitors.

For seven of the team – David Martin, Tom Rush, Magnus Beyer-Arnesen, Ashley Leek, Chris Mills and husband and wife team Carl and Claire Dacombe – the event marked their first ever triathlon.
Capesize broker James Stewart, described as an “old hand” at triathlons by colleagues, was said to have clocked a very respectable 1 hour 18 mins and ended up coming twelveth overall in the entire competition.

First times Chris, Magnus, and Tom all beat the 1 hour 30 mark, while Claire came 9th in the Ladies Category in 1 hour 31 mins.
Other highlights included Gibson capesize broker Edward Carlbom becoming the first participant ever to complete the event wearing Hawaiian Board Shorts albeit at a “gentlemanly pace” striding in around the two hour mark.

“Next year the Olympic Distance Triathlon beckons for the brave,” says Ward tongue in cheek.