Fiery duel up as Black Arrow fires off

SUBIC BAY, Philippines — Even the absence of reigning champions Mitch Robbins and Manami Iijima would not hinder top bets Jakub Langhammer and Laura Wood from turning in their best in the Black Arrow Express 5150 today here at the ACEA Subic Bay.

For the two favored pros, the battle that matters most is against themselves regardless of who stands in their way in the Olympic distance 1.5k swim – 40K bike – 10K run race in the country’s triathlon capital, featuring around 546 participants from around the world, including Black Arrow Express CEO Allan Brizuela.

“Unfortunately, Robbins is not here but I definitely came here to win,” said the Czech Langhammer, coming off a win in the Penong’s 5150 triathlon held  in Davao three months ago to loom as the men’s pro top contender in the last triathlon race this year for Sunrise Events Inc., now part of the Ironman Group.

“It will be a great battle for everyone. With this 5150 race, you have to be in full gear from start to finish but I’m here to win so let’s go get it,” he added.

Robbins, who ruled this event last year, did not join this time due to undisclosed reason – leaving Langhammer and ex-champion Sam Betten from Australia in an expected two-man race to the finish.

Despite the absence of the injured Iijima in the women’s pro division, New Zealand’s Wood is not lowering her guard as this race features a killer trek through the Crown Peak traversing Zambales Highway for the testy 10K run.

 “I had a good run in my last time here in Subic so I’m hoping to be better for my comeback returning from an injury,” said the Century Tuna 70.3 Subic Ironman bronze medalist.