Get Ready to Rumble in Cebu

IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines has become renowned around the triathlon world as one of the marquee athlete event experience in Asia Pacific.

The sixth edition of Cobra Energy Drink IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines 2014 sold out in less than four hours. After having the pleasure to experience every event since the inaugural slam-dunk in 2009, I wonder what an earth the Philippines can bring to surprise athletes this year.

There have been sneak pictures of a grandstand being built in T2 to enhance the spectator experience. There is also a food court being assembled as I type. I am constantly amazed but never surprised at how the team continues to strive year after year to go one step better. Passion is the driving force behind the event and with great passion the possibilities are endless.

Starting out with a healthy sized event in 2009 of some 600 athletes, 2014 have a record 2497 athletes, (2011 individuals and 162 relay teams) toeing the start line. Some more stats for you – 42 countries will be represented. The Philippines place top heavy with 1726, Singapore follows in second with 141 and USA in third with 54.

In the professional field Kiwi Cameron Brown is returning to Cebu for his 6th consecutive time. Could it finally be his year? Noticeably absent is Pete Jacobs (AUS), Chris McCormack (AUS) and last year’s winner Courtney Atkinson (AUS). Brown has a busy season coming up but the ‘old’ guy (and I say that with huge respect) on the block is sure to be high on confidence following his win at IRONMAN Cairns, that crowned him the bonus title of eldest professional winner of an IRONMAN title ever. At the other end of the scale looking to challenge, Brent McMahon (CAN) has been on fire this season with wins in IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii and IRONMAN 70.3 Boise. Coming across the line in 5th last year the Canadian will be keen to bring his winning magic to Cebu.

Swiss Miss, Caroline Steffen returns to headline the ladies field and will be looking for her third win in a row. It is hard to pick a challenger to Steffen. I think the only person who can beat Steffen this weekend is Steffen. Having said that, Belinda Granger, Rebecca Hoschke and Michelle Wu are an Aussie trio that will be ready and waiting should Steffen make a mistake.

Finally, no IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines would be complete without a non-triathlete celebrity present and racing. Formula One World Champion, Jenson Button (GBR) returns to Cebu after taking third in his age group in 2012 and would love to claim number one. “I’m definitely fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been but we’ll see on the day.” – Button.

Log onto ironman.com for the athlete tracker and live text coverage from 06:00am (+8GMT) on race day.

There are 30 slots for the 2015 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Sell am See-Kaprun, Austria.

Pro Men:
1. Cameron Brown (NZL)
2. Brent McMahon (CAN)
3. Casey Munro (AUS)
4. Justin Granger (AUS)
5. Matt Burton (AUS)
6. Michael Murphy (AUS)
7. Joseph Lampe (AUS)
8. Sam Betten (AUS)
9. Eric Watson (AUS)
10. Kaon Cho (KOR)

Pro Women:
11. Caroline Steffen (SUI)
12. Belinda Granger (AUS)
13. Rebecca Hoschke (AUS)
14. Dimity-Lee Duke (AUS)
15. Monica Torres (PHI)
16. Katya Meyer (USA)
17. Janine Sax (NZL)
18. Michelle Wu (AUS)

Originally from: ironman.com (by Emma Bishop)