Cebu braces for big Cobra IronMan staging

DRY RUN. Participants for this year’s Cobra IronMan race check the bike route along the South Coastal Road.
(CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

ALL IS SET for the 2017 Cobra Energy Drink IronMan 70.3 Philippines this Sunday with Cebu putting its best foot forward to ensure another successful staging of the prestigious triathlon event.

Cebu earned praises following its hosting of last year’s first-ever Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific, where Australian Tim Reed and Swiss Caroline Steffen ruled their respective sides to share top honors.

The organizing crew Sunrise Events, Inc., is once again spearheading the staging of the grueling 1.9-kilometer swim, 90-km bike, and 21-km run race that starts and ends at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resorts and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Reed is back to defend his crown against a stellar roster of pros and though Steffen has opted not to seek a repeat – actually missing out on a shot at a sixth straight title in Cebu.

Bike out held

Yesterday, the traditional bike out was held with around 500 participants.

The bike out, sponsored by Sunlife Financial Philippines, was held so participants can check the 90-km bike route.

One of the organizers of the bike out, TJ Mayol, said the route was okay, save for some uneven asphalt patches at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City which can be dangerous for bikers come race day.

“But the Department of Public Works and Highways will be fixing it within the week, according to the organizers,” Mayol said.