INQUIRER Sports

PILI, CAMARINES SUR — A world-class race is expected despite the sweltering heat when elite foreign triathletes compete in the first Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines here this Sunday.

United States-based Filipino triathlete Arland Macasieb yesterday said the conditions at the Camsur Watersports Complex is turning out to be conducive for solid performances even for those preparing for the coming world championships in Hawaii in October.

“They came here for the heat and they’re getting it,” Macasieb told the Inquirer. “Controlling your energy is what long distance is all about. This is a very good tuneup for Hawaii.”

Top-notch triathletes seeing action include European Ironman champion Cameron Brown, Ironman Hawaii world champion Chris McCormack and 11-time champion Lisa Bentley.

Noted triathlete and Alaska president Wilfred Steven Uytengsu said the event will help promote triathlon as a sport here and showcase the country as a prime sports tourism destination.