Jacobs wins Ironman 70.3 Philippines

Jacobs wins Ironman 70.3 Philippines

by rick olivares

The oversized speakers were blaring Australian hard rock band AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” as compatriot Pete Jacobs crossed the finish line of the Cobra Energy Ironman 70.3 Philippines in 3:58:41 last Sunday, August 22, 2010 at the Camarines Sur Water Complex in Bicol. Eight hundred forty-one triathletes took part in the grueling race under the scorching heat in the second Ironman competition held in the Philippines.

Jacobs, the Sydney, Australia native, finished first in all the three events – 1.2 miles of swimming (24:52), 58.6 miles of biking (2:09:30), and 13.2 miles of running (1:21:15) to win his first Ironman event. It was his fifth Ironman 70.3 win. Jacobs’ last win was in Bussleton, Australia in 2008.

Last year’s winner, New Zealander Terenzo Bozzone came in second at 4:5:54. Bozzone earlier singled out Jacobs and Cameron Brown as favorites to also win the competition.

Swede Fredrik Croneborg Sundborn came in at third place with a time of 4:14:36 seconds. He took the swim leg in 27:14, the bike leg in 2:14:29, and the final run leg in 1:29:05.

Canadian Magali Tisseyre, in her first appearance in Cam Sur took the women’s competition in 4:27:01. Michellie Jones, dubbed “the Queen of Triathlon” for having won 165 competitions, came in second in 4:29:23 seconds. Australian Rachael Paxton finished third at 4:42:38.

Although Jacobs was unable to beat Bozzone’s time from last year (51:25.53), he was nevertheless happy with how things turned out.

“I was treating it to test my self and it I got out strong and eventually built up enough confidence to finish strong and win this,” said the second winner of the Ironman 70.3 Philippines.


But it wasn't all the foreign pro talent who basked in the day's glory. Neil Catiil was not only the top Filipino finisher but he also finished eighth overall with a time of 4:37:10. Catiil, from Cagayan de Oro City took the Ironman title from last year's winner Noy Jopson who came in third with a time of 4:54:32. Fil-Am Arland Macasieb was second with a time of 4:44:08.


Filipina triathlete Monica Torres was the only repeat winner of the tournament with a time of 5:00.19. Ani de Leon, making her first appearance in the event came in a close second at 5:01.56 while Alessandra Araulio Gonzales clocked  in at  5:05.17.

A total of 841 participants took part in this year’s Ironman competition; up from the 583 from last year. There were also 172 foreign participants from 34 countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and New Zealand.

“We had a bigger pro field this year (13 to the nine of the previous year) including some of the very best in the world of triathlon who competed in individual and relay competitions." said Uytengsu whose PBA ballclub the Alaska Aces is fresh from winning their 13th league title.

"We certainly hope that the past two Ironman events will raise the level of interest and participation of Filipinos in triathlon. It is a fast growing sport." added a happy L-Ray Villafuerte, the Governor of Camarines Sur.

Jacobs, Bozzone and Leon Griffin were in the three-man lead beginning with the swim leg all the way to the 90-kilometer mark bike leg. Meanwhile, Croneberg and Courtney Ogden were five minutes behind and fast closing in. But Jacobs amazingly pulled away in the bike leg while Bozzone faltered.

Said an exuberant Jacobs: “It feels so nice to win it. This is my first win in the 70.3 distance. This is my favorite race. The support was non-stop. It was a little bit disorienting. You couldn’t tell whether you were in a town or outside. The cheering was non-stop.”

Bozzone, last year's winner said it wasn't easy in defending his title given the field of competition. "It's really a tough race from start to finish and there's no telling what your body's going to do in this heat. That's what is so exciting about triathlon anything can happen. You can have a two-minute lead going to the last two kilometers of the run and someone can catch you. Last year it was a close race and Cameron Brown was a minute behind me and that's not much. Pete Jacobs knows the course he's been training well and he beat me in Kona while Cameron beat in Ironman New Zealand.

The pro-field includes the UK’s Paul Amey, Australia’s Justin Cole, Rachel Paxton and Leon Griffin, Hong Kong’s Erich Felbabel, and Canada’s Lance Watson and Magali Tisseyre. Also making her first appearance is the Queen of Triathlon Michellie Jones who has won 160 races.

Jacobs and Tisseyre pocketed the top cash prize of $6,000 top prize while Bozzone and Jones took the $4,000 while Croneborg and Paxton copped the $2,000 prize.


The top Filipino finishers each won the top prize of Php 50,000.




Notes: This was my first time to cover an Ironman let alone a triathlon competition. I went into it not in the pink of health and with many other things on my mind. It all told on my coverage which I am unhappy about. Nevertheless, I know it now and will do better again next year. For years my friends have tried to get me into the sport either as someone who writes about it or engages in it. I saw many schoolmates and former officemates taking part and I have to say that it really piqued my interest. I bought the DVD of last year's Ironman and I was blown away with the production. Hats off to my former Solar Sports crew and officemates for doing a fabulous job on it.


The highlights outside the competition for me? Whit Raymund!!! I have never heard a better version of "wow!" And right before the women dove into the lake, he said, "Wow, legs!" That got everyone in stitches. And there was his "Astig!" Now you know a new word, Whit! Other highlights --- chatting with Terenzo Bozzone the day before the race. He pushed me to get into game shape in whatever sport. Michellie Jones who was such a nice person to meet. And former Ateneo Blue Eagle Ken Barracoso who went wakeboarding. Yes, I'll do that next time I'm up there and it was nice seeing ya there, dude! And on a non-basketball note, hanging out with Tim Cone and David Charlton (of David's Salon) on race day.Till next year!