Kiwi returns to defend Ironman title

MANILA, Philippines - Terenzo Bozzone of New Zealand will return to defend his title in what’s expected to be a bigger, more exciting, and safer second Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines on Aug. 22 at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur.

Bozzone, a former world champion who topped the Philippines’ inaugural 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run event in 2009, will lead a tough field of over 800 triathletes from 34 countries in this year’s edition.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in participation this year, from 583, we’ll now have 841 participants or a 40percent increase. In fact, we have to close the registration so we can preserve the quality of the races,” said Sunrise Events Inc. president and Alaska Milk Corp. CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu during yesterday’s press launch at Dusit Hotel.

Uytengsu tagged Bozzone, who has won two of his last three races in the US circuit, as favorite among the foreign field that includes last year’s third placer Cameron Brown also of New Zealand, Paul Amey of the UK, Justin Cole of Australia, Erich Felbabel of Hong Kong, Leon Griffin of Australia and Lance Watson.

The women’s cast will be led by former Ironman world champion and Sydney Olympics triathlon silver medalist Michellie Jones of Australia.

Preceding the Ironman 70.3 Philippines will be the Alaska Ironkids Philippines, which puts the spotlight on 149 boys and girls on Aug. 21. On tap are races in four age groups - 6-8 (100m swim, 3K bike, 1K run); 9-10 (200m swim, 6K bike, 1K run); 11-12 (300m swim, 10K bike, 2K run); and 13-14 (400m swim, 12K bike, 3K run).

Gov. Luis Villafuerte Jr. of host Camarines Sur, meanwhile, promised to put in place more measures to ensure the safety of the competitors. Last year, a participant died of stroke during the swim portion of the relay event.

“We’re providing divers in both the Lago del Ray and the CWC (Cable Park) lake and there will be lifeguards for every 100 meters of the lake as well large signage to better guide the swimmers,” said Villafuerte in the presscon also attended by Asia Brewery AVP for non-alcoholic drinks Hubert Tan and Alaska VP Blen Fernando.