No cakewalk, really, for Canadian Ironman

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – Brent McMahon of Canada knew how tough his title-retention bid in the record-breaking Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines will be.

And to somehow release some of the tension and pressure heading into today’s race at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, McMahon tried to lighten things up when asked about his defense of the men’s pro crown.

“Well, it’s good Fred (Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, president of the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc.) didn’t invite anyone good this year so it’s gonna be a cakewalk and only a few work here and there,” he said to laughter and cheers during the pre-race press con.

In truth, McMahon is up against a host of tough challengers in three-time winner and 2012 world champion Pete Jacobs, five-time world titlist Craig Alexander, multitiled Cameron Brown, 2014 runner-up Sam Betten, reigning Asia Pacific king Tim Reed, Luke McKenzie, Tim Van Berkel, Justin Granger, Clayton Fettell, Mitch Robbins, Matt Franklin, Mitch Robins and Wai Kit Lam.

“It’s great to be back and obviously anytime you get to go back and defend the title at a race, it adds motivation and a little fun,” McMahon said in a more serious tone.

Ribbed about the Canadian’s statement, Alexander said: “When you’re good you could be confident and he’s very good.”

Given the stellar field, the competitors agreed it’s gonna be a battle royale for the pro crown of the meet that reached a new all-time high of 2,618 participants.

“This is as good a lineup as you can get in Ironman 70.3,” said the 42-year-old Alexander, who is looking to strut his stuff on Phl soil after being forced to pull out of the Ironman 70.3 in Subic last March by severe back spasms.

“The races are becoming quicker and quicker; these young guys, they’re just taking it to another level. I have to swim, bike, and run even faster to even win these races now,” he said.

Jacobs aims to regain his winning ways in Cebu, where he snared successive crowns from 2010-12, and also to warm up for the next big race in Hawaii.

“I’ve been here the last several years since it started in the Philippines and usually it helped me going to Hawaii. This is a bit of a kickoff for my training – I’ve been training for almost a month now and racing here will be a big boost to my fitness. I’m looking forward to running a good race,” he said.

Steffen also braces for a fierce challenge from Ironman 70.3 Switzeland titlist Beth Gerdes of the US, Dimity-Lee Duke of Australia, veteran Belinda Granger also of Australia, Carole Fuchs of Thailand, Michelle Wu and Kathryn Haeser of New Zealand.

“It’s an honor for me to be back in the start line here. I’m definitely ready to race on Sunday,” said Steffen.

Special finisher’s medals and winner’s trophies are up for grabs.  They were designed by renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue and were unveiled in the same presscon where Uytengsu, Ironman Asia Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer, and Cobra exec Dan Ong, among others, were also on hand.