As Steffen scores Ironman 4-PEAT: Buddies rule men’s division

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines  — Friendship took a backseat as reigning Asia-Pacific champion Tim Reed pulled off a close victory over fellow Aussie and training buddy Tim Van Berkel for the coveted men’s pro crown in the record-setting Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines yesterday.

Reed and Berkel treated everyone at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resorts and Spa to an exciting sprint finish, running virtually side by side until the final two kilometers when the former stepped on the gas to reach home first.

"That was certainly one of the toughest battles I personally had. I was pushed by Tim Verkel the whole way. And to me, a battle like that with one of your best friends is fantastic. You're best friends off the course and absolutely enemies on the court, makes you really challenge each other," said Reed.

Berkel admitted Reed had his numbers whenever they got into a sprint finish.

"I spent a lot of energy trying to catch Reed and then I finally caught him. We raced together for the last 2K. But my sprint finishes against him were not very good so I knew it's gonna be tough; he's got a good kick on him. But to be in a sprint finish with the Asia Pacific champion and come home second (is a good feat)," said Berkel, who actually gained a few seconds in the final clocking as Reed tripped over the ramp before crossing the finish line.

Left in the wake of the Reed-Berkel showdown was 2014 Brent McMahon, who actually led halfway through the bike but managed only third at 3:50:23.

"I stayed at the front because I wanted to win this and that's where I needed to be. I tried to run off the front but those Tim guys, they're fast and they had a great race," said McMahon.

Just as dramatic was the triumph of Caroline Steffen, who lived up to her "Xena" monicker in retaining the women's tiara. 

Steffen never wavered despite experiencing mechanical trouble and suffering a crash midway in the bike, finding the willpower to go on despite bruises and a sore body. She finished at 4:23:54, quashing the challenge of Beth Gerdes (4:29:07) and Dimity-Lee Duke (4:29:36) with plenty to spare.

"As the defending champion, I felt I like I wanna finish the race and if I still had the lead, I think I should win the race. So I gave it a go and never gave up," said Steffen, holding her right rib as she went up the stage for the "meet the champions" presscon.

Birthday boy August Benedicto similarly authored a drama-filled victory in the Filipino male elite, bucking a bum stomach to overhaul a four-minute deficit and repeat as champ. Benedicto, who turned 31, clocked 4:28:36 for a six-second victory over John Philip Duenas (4:28:42). Cramps-hit Banjo Norte placed third at 4:29:05.

Monica Torres (4:39:37) blitzed past Maria Hodges (4:53:09) and LC Langit (5:05:30) for the women's diadem.

Reed bested a world-class field that included Mitch Robins (3:55:20), who was fourth followed by five-time world titlist Craig Alexander (3:57:45), Luke McKenzie (3:58:51) and former world champ Pete Jacobs (4:01:23).

"It was such a world-class field today. I was pushed to the absolute limit," said Reed, enjoying a win-streak in the country as he conquered the Ironman 70.3 race in Subic last March.

 The event is produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. with title sponsor Cobra Energy Drink, powered by Ford Philippines and presented by Summit Water. Others backers are official courier and logistics partner 2Go Express, official footwear and apparel partner Asics, official sports drink Gatorade, race venue partners Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu Province and Lapu-Lapu City.

The venue sponsor is Megaworld's The Mactan Newtown, while bike course sponsors are Cebu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City. Other supporters are Kenneth Cobonpue, Prudential Guarantee, TYR, Sunlife Financial, Department of Tourism, Tourism Board of the Philippines, David's Salon, Finisher Pix, Intercare, Alaska Milk Corporation, Timex, Shotz, Safeguard Men, Brew Kettle, Asahi, Devant, Flawress, Regent, Sante Barle, Motorace, Prozza, Omega PRO, Tisyu, hotel partners Be Resort, Crimson Resort and Spa, Movenpick Hotel and Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino, technology partner Xurpas, media center sponsor Globe Telecom, and media partners The Philippine Star, ABS-CBN Sports+Action, TriLife and AsiaTri.com. (FREEMAN)