MTB XCM Participant in Rhino X Triathlon Feel Challenged

BANTEN - In series of Rhino Cross Triathlon competition at the Festival Pesona Tanjung Lesung (FPTL) 2017, recently, the number of Mountain Bike Cross Marathon (MTB XCM) was held.

In this race, Banten Provincial Governor Wahidin Halim raises a start flag which unleashes 72 cyclists for a distance of 48 kilometers completed in three rounds.

Chandra Rafsanjani, from ISSI Pangandaran became a national athlete who entered the finish line in the first place. Followed Muhammad Rafika from Bandung who managed to follow in the 2nd position.

Both riders had involved in exclaimed duel. Chandra tended to follow Rafika in early two laps. But in the end of race, Chandra began to increase rate of his bike until finally finish in first rank.

This SEA Games 2011 gold medalist at the individual event and SEA Games 2013 Myanmar in Team Relay said if this kind of race requires more endurance.

"Endurance needs to be increased," Chandra advises.

He said the terrain is quite challenging because of the high number of loose rock and strong winds that demanded the participants caution.

Meanwhile, Deni Ari Yulianto, ISSI Cilegon rider who finish in third position also appreciate this race.

"Extraordinary. Very challenging and depleting endurance," he said.

Event Director Sport Festival Enchantment Tanjung Lesung 2017, Tense Manalu admitted quite satisfied with this event. Although the participants are not too many, he believes in the future, the number of participants will be more increased.

"We decided to reduce the distance to 48 kilometers due to several considerations, including high temperatures," said Tense.