Munro, Steffen rule the roost

SUBIC Freeport—Casey Munro of Australia left the pack halfway through the bike stage and sustained his breakaway to capture the men’s pro title of the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon here Sunday.

Munro’s training partner Caroline Steffen of Switzerland seized the lead at the start and never looked back to top the women’s race.

“I sort of played it tactically and used my strength,” said Munro, a 29-year-old former pro cyclist, who attacked in the bike leg that winded through the hills of Cubi Point.

He timed 2 hours 7 minutes and 22 seconds for the race. The Queensland native, who placed prominently in Iron Man competitions in the Asia Pacific, finished a minute ahead of second placer Michael Murphy of Australia (2:08:26).

True to hype, Steffen copped the women’s pro crown while finishing eighth overall with a time of 2:15:32.

The 34-year-old from Spiez came out of the water fifth overall and sustained her pace throughout the race.

The 2010 and 2012 Iron Man World Championships silver medalist, nicknamed “Xena the Warrior Princess” because of her looks, dethroned two-time champion Belinda Granger of Australia (2:25:05).

“The course was challenging,” said Steffen, who ruled the 2010 ITU long distance world title in Germany and the 2012 edition in Spain.

“I like the bike course with all the tight corners. And I like that the first 10 kilometers was flat before we hit the hills.”

Munro and Steffen each won $2,000 (about P88,000). Monica Torres finished strong and wound up third in the women’s pro class in 2:28:20.

The fastest Filipino triathlete was Australian-trained Jonard Saim, who finished fifth in men’s pro in 2:13:45.

The former national team member checked in behind third placer Simon Agoston of Hungary (2:09:13) and Eric Watson of Australia (2:11:10).

Another Filipino, Banjo Norte, placed sixth overall (2:14:46) followed by compatriot John Chicano (2:15:20).

Nikko Huelgas wound up ninth (2:15:39), ahead of Mikal Bucek of Slovakia (2:23:05). Ma. Claire Adorna (2:32:45) nailed the women’s Filipino elite title.

Race sponsors: Gatorade, Alaska, Aqua Sphere, Timex, Smart Live More, PLDT, Department of Tourism, Planet Sports, P&G, Prudential Guarantee, Intercare, DeVant, LBC, Oakley, Subic Bay and GU Roctane.