Exciting relay action looms in Cobra Ironman

CEBU, Philippines - A world championship campaigner, a cycling tour champion, an open water titlist and a bunch of top road runners are to watch out in the relay competition of 2015 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines this Sunday at Shangrila's Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Among all squads though, RDAK is the team to beat even if their heart-and-soul, brothers Regan and Rere King, are not joining the race as they are busy with work and had no time for training.

"We are fielding in all entries this year to give opportunity to our Cebuanos athletes especially those who need support in their respective disciplines.We are giving them an opportunity to experience a prestigious international event to represent Cebuano talent and skills," said Regan King.

For the first time since Cebu's hosting of the half Ironman, RDAK will be fielding in an all-female squad with Regan and Rere King's sister Ross Rica Deen in the lineup.

Ross Rica will do the run part of the three-in-one race. She will be teaming up with swimming coach Ivy Suarez and national cycling team member Avegail Rombaon.

RDAK also has a strong all-male and mixed relay teams.

The all-male squad of RDAK will have World Mountainbike Championship campaigner Nino Surban, swimming coach Ray Suerte and USPF varsity runner Prince Joey Lee.

In the mixed relay, RDAK will have open water champion Loren Dale Echavez back in the fold along with national cyclist John Renee Mier and Kenyan runner Isaac Simat.

RDAK put up a strong contender in the mixed relay as they eye to topple defending champion La Europa, which is powered by three champions in swimmer Keith Ashley Ocampo, Ronda Pilipinas champion Barnachea and the country's top female runner Mary Joy Tabal.

"As a team, we try to excel in what we do while enjoying what we do dedicating everything for the greater glory of God," added King.

A total of 91 squads are vying for the top spot in the mixed relay, 20 in the all-female and 70 in the all-male, making the relay event just as exciting as the individual battle.

The other top athletes competing in the relay include former Ironman 70.3 Philippines champion Noy Jopson, former national triathletes Kaye Lopez and Marita Lucas, Xterra pro Joseph Miller and champion runner Noel Tillor.Actor Piolo Pascual will compete in the all-male division under Sunlife team along with Laurence Medenilla and Antonio Ty. (FREEMAN)