ELITES RENEW RIVALRY
Defending champion August Benedicto eyes fifth title in Cobra Ironman Dueñas, Jumamil and other top Cebuano triathletes also gun for title Top local triathletes will be competing in Asian Elite for the first time
An exciting battle among the country’s top triathletes is on the horizon as they renew their rivalry in the 2017 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.
On top of the chain is August Benedicto of Alaska Tri Team who has won all but one of the five editions of Cebu’s half-Ironman race. Benedicto topped the first edition in Cebu last 2012, lost the title in 2013 before racking up three straight wins in the 1.9-kilometer swim, 90K bike and 21K race in Cebu.
This year, the Filipino elites will be racing in a new category, the Asian Elite. They will be joined by participants from India and Thailand.
Elite triathletes John Philip Dueñas of Motor-Ace Kawasaki Racing Team, Paul Jumamil and Banjo Norte of Rider Omega Tri Team, Jorry Ycong of Repro Optima and Joseph Miller of Ford Forza will lead the Cebuanos in the event.
Dueñas was a three-time podium finisher in Cebu’s half-Ironman. He finished second in 2014 and 2015 and third in 2013.
Norte is also a top-caliber athlete and once stood atop among the Filipino elites when he dethroned Benedicto in 2013. His teammate, Paul Jumamil, was a silver medalist last year.
Jumamil will look to continue his winning streak following victories in the Musa Man TriDavnNor and Tri United 2 Leg, where he won the elite titles last June.
Jorry Ycong is also off a victory from the Rotary Club Corporate Triathlon and is the reigning champion in the Bellevue 5i50 Triathlon.
Experience from foreign races, meanwhile, will be the key for the lone Filipino Xterra pro and strong cyclist Joseph Miller.
The other male Filipino triathletes competing in the Asian Elite listed in the event’s website are Emmanuel Commendador of Paseo de Loon, Benjamin Rana and Jonard Saim of Unilab Active Health. /