Kyrgyzstani covers most difficult triathlon distance

Chingiz Alkanov became the first Kyrgyzstani to complete the Enduroman Arch 2 Arch — about 480 kilometers from London to Paris by running, swimming, and cycling. He announced this at a press conference in Bishkek.

Enduroman Arch 2 Arch is considered the most extreme competition in the world.

Chingiz Alkanov covered 130 kilometers from Marble Arch in London to the city of Dover — by running, then swam across the English Channel and cycled another 300 kilometers from Calais to Paris, finishing at the Arc de Triomphe. Moreover, he had to swim 58 kilometers instead of the planned 40 because of the currents.

«The preparation took 1.5 years, and all this time I had to overcome myself, get in shape and do the impossible. But the most difficult thing was not all this, but returning to training after my father passed away. I coped with both myself and the distance. Standing at the Arc de Triomphe, I dedicated my achievement to Kyrgyzstan and the luck of our «Olympians» in Paris,» Chyngyz Alkanov noted.

Triathletes have been covering this distance since 2001. Since then, 58 men and women in the world have covered it, including two from the CIS countries, including Chyngyz Alkanov.

Chyngyz Alkanov is the founder and president of the Triathlon Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic, an enthusiast for the development of this sport in the country.