Mendez, Kahlefeldt Rule Inaugural ALVEO Ironman 70.3 Davao
The ALVEO Ironman 70.3 Davao Sets The Stage
With no stone left unturned, ALVEO Ironman 70.3 Davao and Sunrise Events made true to its promise to do an inaugural event that no one will forget.
After a tight battle for first, Mauricio Mendez crossed the finish line in 3:50:30 to take home the pro men’s divisions title. Mendez was followed by Timothy Reed and Van Berkel who finished in 3:52:25 and 3:53:43 respectively. Crowd favorite and 2x Ironman World Champion Craig “Crowie” Alexander came in fourth in 3:56.24
Mendez unseated Tim Reed of Australia who was gunning for the grand slam. The top pro men athletes were neck to neck and virtually tied for first place as they exited the 2km swim together. Reed, along with Alexander, tried to create a gap on the bike but was unable the ward off Mendez, who came in fourth at T2.
Mendez then posted a blistering 21km 1:16:14 run time to seal the victory.
Radka Kahlefeldt made easy work of the pro women’s division as she posted 4:25:30 finish time. Naomi Washizu of Japan came in second in 4:43:36 while Dimity Lee Duke of Australia wrapped up the women’s podium in 4:39:12.
In the Filipino Elite division, it was Jorry Ycong (4:25:15) of Bohol who bested multiple Ironman 70.3 Filipino Elite champion, August Benedicto (4:25:02) and Ironman 70.3 Cebu Champion, Banjo Norte (4:25:02). Leanne Szeto won the Filipino Elite women’s title.
FULL SUPPORT
Held in Mindanao for the first time, the Dabawenyos came in full support as they went to the streets to witness the event and cheer for the athletes. The local government support of the race was nothing short of spectacular as well as the participants were treated to a unique hospitality that only Davao can provide.
Security was never a question too as the whole race course was packed with troops from both the army and the police force. Divers, as well as marines, were all over the swim course as well. Which played a big factor in setting the participants at ease and allowing an incident free 2km swim.
GLOWING REVIEWS
Participants were raving about the race and we heard nothing but good feedback. The ALVEO Ironman 70.3 Davao will be hard to top. If there’s one thing we heard that was quite alarming, it was the presence of martial law. Which at a 6% alcohol rating, was enough to create a buzz after just one cup. :)
Pair it with Davao ice cream at the finish line.. then you got yourselves a very lethal combo.
THE NEW “A” RACE?
The IRONMAN 70.3 in Cebu is the reigning and (the only) undefeated winner of the SBR.ph Awards Race of the Year. They were always lock to win it all.
Not anymore.
