PETALING JAYA: Switzerland’s Andy Sutz grabbed the 2009 Powerman Malaysia duathlon title in Manjung yesterday with a blistering time of 2’45:47 to deny Jason Spong of South Africa a back-to-back win.

The 28-year-old Sutz, who was competing in Malaysia for the first time, was thrilled to come out tops in the (11km run, 64km cycling and 10km run) race. "I knew it was going to be a close call with so many top-class athletes competing. All the long hours of gruelling training seems to have paid off,” he said.

Newly crowned world champion Jorie Vansteelant of Belgium was also in the running for the crown, but retired after completing the cycling leg. Leader of the pack: Switzerland’s Andy Sutz crossing the finish line to become the 2009 Powerman Malaysia duathlon champion in Manjung, Perak, Sunday.

Bryce Viegas of South Africa finished second in 2’51:08 while compatriot Spong was third in 2’54:36. The best Malaysian finisher was Shahrom Abdullah in sixth place with a time of 3’04:22. “It was a tough challenge with the hilly terrain and the world-class competitors,” said Shahrom, who finished 25th in the Powerman World Championship in Zofingen, Switzerland, in September.

Radka Vodickova wins

In the women’s event, Radka Vodickova of the Czech Republic emerged triumphant with a time of 3’08:55. Camilla Lindholm of Sweden was second after clocking 3’11:11. South African Caroline Koll completed the race in 3’16:12 to finish third.

Seri Manjung (Malaysia). Powerman Duathlon
11 km Running, 64 km Bike, 10 km Running

men

1. Andy Sutz (Sz) 2:45:47
2. Bryce Viegas (Südafr) 5:21
3. Jason Spong (Süadafr) 8:49
4. Miguel Capo Soler (Sp) 12:20
given up: Joerie Vansteelant (Bel)

women

1. Radka Vodickova (Tsch) 3:08:55
2. Camilla Lindholm (Sd) 2:16
3. Caroline Koll (Südafr) 7:17
4. Rebecca Preston (Aus) 8:54

Standings Powerman Wold Ranking 2009/2010

men

1. Joerie Vansteelant (Bel) 3175 points
2. Andy Sutz (Sz) 2425
3. Anthony Le Duey (Fra) 1500

women

1. Camilla Lindholm (Sd) 2050
2. Erika Csomor (Ung) 1500
3. Jessiva Petersen (Gb) 1200.