Subic—Twelve pros of varying styles and strengths set out for the same mission—emerge on top of the pack in the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay presented by Big Boss Cement, which will unfold tomorrow (Sunday, June 2) here.
Despite crowning himself as the toughest following his impressive victory in the country’s first full IRONMAN (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42k run) also here last year, Nick Baldwin of Seychelles finds the 1.9km swim-90km bike-21km run race a different kind of challenge requiring a different kind of approach and game plan against perhaps some of the best bets in the sport.
“Competing against some of the race favorites like Tim Reed and Tim Van Berkel will be a great test and I’m sure it will be a great race for the spectators,” said Baldwin on the eve of the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. which drew close to thousand entries from 41 countries vying in various divisions.
The compact field in both the men’s and women’s pro divisions also brace for a battle of staying power on a practically new course with temperature tipped to hit 35-degree high during the closing run stage.
“An undulating course combined with the heat makes it a true test. I just hope I can put all my knowledge into helping me have a great race,” said Reed, a former three-time world champion who has reigned here in Subic in other endurance races.
Boosting the men’s cast are Sam Betten and Conor McKay, also from Australia and Colombia’s Rodrigo Acevedo and Oli Stenning of Great Britain.
Like Reed, Dimity Lee Duke also hopes to cash in her overall familiarity of Subic, having raced in the country’s triathlon capital many times over although the veteran campaigner looks forward to a fierce duel with Caroline Steffen, New Zealand’s Laura Wood, Manami Iijima of Guam and Lisa Tyack, also from Down Under.
“I am fortunate to have raced this course over a number of yeaers so I hope this will put me in a good position (to win),” said Duke.
“Subic Bay is a great venue and it will be a great test in the heat,” said Steffen.
For details, visit www.ironman703subicbay.com or the Facebook page Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay and @im703subicbay on Instagram and Twitter. Official event hashtags are #CenturyTunaIM703 #im703subicbay.
Backing the event are Big Boss Cement (presenting sponsor), venue host Subic Bay, bike leg racing partner NLEX SCTEX, Black Arrow (official courier and logistics partner) Hoka (official footwear), Gatorade, TYR, Gu, Lightwater, David’s Salon, Prudential Guarantee, ONE Cignal, the Philippine Star, Trilife, AsiaTri.com, Finisher Pix and Active.
Close to thousand triathletes will also battle it out for top honors in various divisions, including the Asian Elite and the 12 age group categories. It also features relay competitions for male, female and mixed teams.