Tim Reed sets out for another crack at the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines crown with the be-medalled Aussie champ aiming for a rare three-peat against an elite field in the country’s premier triathlon, which unwraps on August 6 at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu. Reed bested a world-class cast to rule the first Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship last year and complete a back-to-back title romp in the 1.9K-swim, 90K-bike, 21K-run event at the Ironman 70.3 home in the Queen City of the South. But though he’s upbeat of his chances for a rare treble, the reigning world champion remains wary of the cast of rivals, led by compatriot Tim Van Berkel, winner of this year’s Ironman 70.3 Vietnam, Xterra titlist Mauricio Mendez of Mexico, 2014 Ironman 70.3 Phl winner Brent McMahon of Canada, Kiwi Cameron Brown, winner of Ironman 70.3 Malaysia, Taiwan and Korea, and another Aussie ace Sam Betten, winner of the recent Regent 5150 in Subic. There will also be competitions among Filipino elites, CEO tri racers and close to 2,000 age-groupers and mixed, all-male, and all-female relay participants. Other backers of the event are Asics, Gatorade, Prudential Guarantee, Philippine Airlines, Globe, Oakley, TYR and Active Network.

Source: Manila Times July 16, 2017 11:48 UTC