Mendez, Kahlefeldt ready for Ironman repeat

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champions Mauricio Mendez and Radka Kahlefeldt are A-okay and ready for a repeat in the second Ironman 70.3 Davao at the Azuela Cove tomorrow.

“I feel I’m in great shape where I can totally say that I can be my best,” said Mendez, who rallied in the closing run stage of the 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run event to rule the event’s inaugural staging last year in 3:50:32.

“But I think everyone has a chance so I think it’s a matter of getting focused and ready for race day,” added the current toast of Mexico’s triathlon, who points to Aussies Tim Reed and Tim Van Berkel as his chief rivals for top honors.

Despite her emphatic wire-to-wire triumph in the women’s side, Kahlefeldt braces for a tougher outing in a race she described as special as she faces the likes of regular Phl campaigners Caroline Steffen of Switzerland and Dimity Lee Duke of Australia with Guam’s Manami Iijima, who topped the Subic 5150 late last year, also tipped to contend for the crown.

“Everybody is getting ready for the race. But I’m really excited to be back here in Davao. This race is very special for me since last year I had a baby,” said the Czech ace, who is eyeing to improve on her 4:25:38 clocking last year.

Details: visit www.ironman.com/davao703.