Largest triathlon in RP set on Sunday

MANILA – World triathlon champions have begun training in the country as they gear for the 1st Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines on Sunday.

Professional triathletes Chris McCormack and Terrenzo Bozzone already arrived in Camarines Sur, where the race will be held.

According to the Ironman 70.3 Philippines website, McCormack and Bozzone have been training together. They said the hot conditions in the Philippines are ideal for their preparations for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii on October 10.

Bozzone is the reigning Ironman 70.3 World Champion while McCormack is a former Ironman World Champion.

Other triathletes entered in the men’s contingent are Cameron Brown from New Zealand, Pete Jacobs of Australia and Tim Marr from Hawaii.

Americans Gina Kehr and Bree Wee, meantime, are in the women’s line-up along with Canadian Lisa Bentley and Australian Charlotte Paul, this year’s Ironman China champion.

Wet conditions

The triathletes are expected to be tested by wet conditions as they bike, swim, and run on Sunday.

“Wet conditions are being anticipated on race day which will add a bit of challenge to the race,” reported the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines site.

About 600 triathletes from 23 countries registered for the event, including around 400 age groupers and almost 50 relay teams.

Such turnout makes it the largest triathlon to be held in the country.

The Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines race kicks off on Sunday, August 23, at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC).