Foiled the last time out by unfancied rivals, the once mighty Australians go all out to regain their once lofty perch in triathlon ladder as they return for the second Alveo IRONMAN 70.3 Davao presented by Petron unfolding March 24 at Azuela Cove.
Tim Reed, a former Asia-Pacific and world champion, lost by nearly two minutes to Mauricio Mendez in last year’s inaugural staging of the Davao event he was expected to dominate coming off a series of victories with the talented Aussie all primed up for payback against the Mexican star.
Sam Betten and Tim Van Berkel provide the needed backup for the aces from Down Under along with David Mainwaring, Matt Lewis and Fraser Walsh, all aiming to get a crack at the coveted men’s pro crown in the upcoming 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run even organized and conducted by Sunrise Events Inc.
Dimity Lee Duke, also a former many-time winner in local triathlon from Australia now based in Phuket, Thailand, also aims for the top in the women’s pro side of the event along with compatriots Kirra Siedel and Lisa Tyack.
But Czech Radka Kahlefeldt is also coming into the event in top shape, ready to defend her crown also against the likes of regular Phl campaigners Caroline Steffen of Switzerland and Guam’s Manami Iijima.
Over 2,200 triathletes have confirmed participation in the event, which features individual and relay competitions, with bets coming from the United Arab Emirates, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Mexico, Ukraine, India, Malaysia, Qatar, the US, Belgium, Spain, Italy, New Caledonia, Singapore;
South Africa, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain, Korean, Norway, Thailand, Switzerland, Greece, Kuwait, New Zealand, Turkey, China, Guam, Mexico, Panama and Taiwan.
Assured of the full support of the local officials, SEI founder Wilfred Uytengsu sees another successful staging of the event, also held in conjunction with Davao’s 82nd anniversary celebrations. For details, visit the event’s website at www.ironman.com/davao703.
It also serves as the kick off of a series of SEI-organized and produced events, including the Sun Life 5150 Cebu on April 28, the Century Ironman 70.3 Subic on June 2, the Penong’s 5150 Davao on July 7, the Regent Aguila IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines on Aug. 11, the Black Arrow Express 5150 Subic on Oct. 27 and the Sun Life Cycle PH in November.
Ushering in the second Alveo IRONMAN is the Sun Life Bike Course Ride Out, the IronKids, the IronGirl, and the Ironman 70.3 Davao Expo at the Tent today (March 17).
Backers of the event are title sponsor Alveo, an AyalaLand company, presentor Petron, venue hosts Lungsod ng Dabaw, Azuela Cove and the Enderun Tent, bike course partners Davao del Norte, Panabo, Tagum and Carmen, official courier and logistics partner 2Go Express, official swim cap TYR, official energy gel GU, official nutrition Vitargo, official eyewear Rudy Project, and Aboitiz Power, Davao Light, David’s Salon, Davao Metro Shuttle, Prudential Guarantee, and media partners ONE Sports on Cignal, the Philippine Star, Trilife, AsiaTri.com and Finisher Pix.