World's top triathletes return to CamSur

PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines  – The country’s No. 1 tourist destination has opened its doors to the third Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines.

For the next two days, 1,100 bets from 28 countries will test the warm waters and the sun-baked roads in and around the CamSur Watersports Complex.

“If you feel the heat, let me say that it’s actually the warmth of the people of this province,” said Camarines Sur Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte yesterday.

He welcomed the top professionals from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Hawaii, the United States and the Philippines during a press conference.

CamSur is the best place for triathlon in the country, and the latest from the Department of Tourism is that it’s the country’s top tourist destination today.

In 2010, it recorded a total of 2.3 million tourist arrivals, edging out Metro Manila with its 2.2 million and Cebu, the Queen City of the South, with its 1.7 million.

The CWC, which has developed into a perfect weekend hideaway even from those from Metro Manila, will host the event for the third straight year.

Spicing up tomorrow’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 is today’s Alaska Milk Ironkids Triathlon, a showroom for the future of Philippine triathlon.

It’s the brainchild of Alaska Milk Corp. president and CEO Wilfred Uytengsu, who’s also here as a competitor in the Ironman 70.3 itself.

Leading the pros are defending champion Pete Jacobs, who is expected to be crowded by Cameron Brown, Jesse Thomas, Luke Gillmer, Justin Granger, Dan Brown and Erich Felbabal for the crown.

In the women’s side, it’s Australia’s Belinda Granger, Amanda Stevens, Bree Wee and ex-supermodel Katya Meyers who will make the heads turn.

Neil Catiil and Monica Torres will carry the heavy load for the hosts.