Pinoy triathletes up to par in Cobra Ironman 70.3

MANILA, Philippines - Seasoned Filipino triathletes made the country proud after performing beyond expectations in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines held recently in Camsur.

Cobra brand ambassador Neil Catiil placed a hard won third (4:38.10) in the Filipino Elite Category despite numerous challenges on the road.

Noy Jopson, another Cobra brand ambassador, was the top overall Filipino age-grouper to qualify in the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii on Oct. 8 after clocking 4:41:10.

Arland Macasieb pulled off a come-from-behind victory in 4:26:31, beating Augusto Benedicto (4:35:04) and Catiil (4:38:10) in the energy-sapping swim-bike-run event.

“I said a little prayer last night hoping for relief from the heat. And I’m glad it rained.  The rain really saved me. It gave me a little tailwind in the bike and made the ride easier,” said Macasieb, this year’s Filipino Elite champion.

On trying to defend his title, Catiil took the lead after comfortably emerging from the water and through the bike stretch of the race, but was slowed down by hypoglycemia and had to be wheeled out on a stretcher by paramedics after crossing the finish line.

After his bike’s aero bar got loose midway through the race, Catiil suffered from extreme cramps while negotiating the final stretch of the run course. Nevertheless, Catiil bravely hurdled troubles along the way and still managed to finish third.

Cobra Energy Drink brand manager J Mendoza praised Cobra brand ambassadors Jopson and Catiil for their accomplishments and for being the embodiment of perseverance, will power and strength. “We’re very proud of them. They are proof that true Filipino champions never give up,’’ said Mendoza.

Pete Jacobs duplicated his feat last year after dominating the race to extend his reign as Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines overall champion. Jacobs clocked 3:51:43 to topple Jesse Thomas (4:12:30) and Cameron Brown (4:12:54) by a mile.

Belinda Granger joined Jacobs in the winner’s podium after ruling the distaff side in 4:26:23 while Monica Torres snared the Filipino elite women’s category plum for the third straight year after clocking 4:55:15.