Seri Manjung, Perak, Malaysia - November 11th, 2007 - teamTBB's Luke Dragstra rounded out his Ironman preparation for Ironman Busselton by heading to Powerman Malaysia, for his last serious hitout.

Lack of appropriate races in Asia for the lead up has seen the Dragster leave his cap and goggles in the training bag. From here, Luke will head to Perth to finish his last touches to what has been a great training block.

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Luke wins 3rd place at Powerman Malaysia in a tough field which includes the top names in the international duathlon racing scene, such as world number one duathlete Joerie Vansteelant of Belgium and Crispine Omondi Onyango of Kenya (Powerman Malaysia champion 2004).

This 11km-64km-10km run-bike-run race in Seri Manjung, Perak is the only Asian qualifier to the Duathlon World Championships Power Zofingen in 2008 in Switzerland.

"I had no idea what to expect from the field as I am not familiar with the Duathlon scene (other than Joerie Van Steelant of course) so I just toed up and went hard," says Luke. "My hard wasn’t enough on the first run as a pack of 5 took off too fast and I had to find my pace and hope that that the strength work I have been doing on the bike would be enough."

He came into T1 two minutes down from the lead pack but caught up in the bike, bridging the gap to the 2nd place guy - Armand van der Smissen - by the last 15 km.

Out of T2, although Luke ran strong, the Dutchman put too much distance between them and finished 30 seconds ahead. Nevertheless, a third place finish in this reputedly hottest of duathlons, among the best duathletes in the world, is no mean feat.

Congratulations, Luke, and all the best for IM Western Australia in 3 weeks!!

Powerman Malaysia 2007 race report in The Star, Malaysia

Powerman Duathlon Malaysia 2007 - Pro Men's results:

1. Joerie Vansteelant BELGIUM 2:39:49
2. Armand van der Smissen NETHERLANDS 2:45:15
3. Luke Dragstra CANADA 2:45:49