Jopson leads local cast in Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3

Manila, Philippines - Seasoned triathlete Noy Jopson will lead the cast of Filipinos set to participate in the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines on Aug. 14 at the Camsur Watersports Complex in Camarines Sur.

Jopson, the inaugural champion in the Filipino elite category in 2009, is hard-pressed to reclaim the crown he relinquished to national team standout Neil Catiil last year.

“I’ve been swimming, biking and running four-five times a week now since May. That’s a total of about 18-20 hours training every week,’’ said the 36-year-old Jopson, the country’s most accomplished triathlete in terms of races won.

Making this Cobra Ironman edition doubly special is the fact that 30 slots for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in October are up for grabs and Jopson is hoping that more Filipinos could compete in the event.

In fact, Jopson launched the Cobra Ironman Youtube Campaign, a series of workout videos designed to improve and keep a triathlete’s swim, bike and running muscles in tip-top condition.

“I’m hoping these videos will help Ironman contenders and people who want to take exercise to another level,’’ said Jopson.

“It’s interesting because you’ll see how one can grow into a triathlete through the workouts,’’ he added.

Cobra brand manager Jay Mendoza said they have made Jopson and Catiil as brand ambassadors, hoping these triathletes could make into the world championships.

“This is a rare opportunity for us to compete in the world championships and we’re helping these guys achieve the feat,’’ said Mendoza, who graced the launch of the event along with VP for marketing Hubert Tan and marketing manager for non-alco Abe Cipriano.

This year’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 has lured 1,100 participants from 28 countries with defending men’s champion Pete Jacobs of Australia and women’s title holder Magali Tisseyre of Canada heading the field.

Jopson rode his bike from Trinoma in Quezon City to Laoag (640 kilometers) last month and will participate races in Matabungkay and Cebu as part of his preparation for the determination-crushing race.

“The Cobra Ironman is the race every Filipino triathlete wants to win. Winning the Filipino elite category in the inaugural event was definitely the highlight of my triathlon career, and up to now, I can’t still believe I won it,’’ said Jopson.

Other professional international triathletes competing in the Cobra Ironman are Cameron Brown, Justin Granger, Dan Brown, Luke Gillmer, Belinda Granger, Luke Mckenzie and Amanda Stevens.

Incidentally, Cameron Brown also emerged the champion of the Ironman 70.3 in Korea last July 3.