Reed, Edwards bag Century Tuna 70.3 triathlon crowns

SUBIC FREEPORT—Tim Reed spearheaded the charge by Australians in the men’s pro division while British Parys Edwards wrested the women’s crown in the first Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Triathlon here Sunday.

Pacing himself as planned, Reed stayed within sight of the leaders after the swim and bike ride, then poured it all in the run segment to lead compatriots Mitchell Robins, Josh Amberger and Luke McKenzie to an imposing 1-2-3-4 finish.

Reed, the reigning Asia-Pacific Ironman champion, clocked three hours, 51 minutes and 59 seconds for the 113-kilometer (1.9-km swim, 90-km bike ride, 21.1 km run) race that kicked off at 6:30 a.m. at Sands of Triboa and ended under a blazing sun at Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

The 30-year-old Reed ranked second after the 1.9-km swim, dropped to third behind pacesetter Amberger and McKenzie following the 90-km bike ride, and overtook Robins in the 21.1-km run to notch his first win on Philippine soil.

Robins timed 3:55:48 followed by Amberger (3:57:12) and McKenzie (3:58:19). German Matthias Knossalla took fifth place in 4:03:11.

In the distaff side, Edwards was hardly challenged as the former world Olympic-distance triathlon champion scored a breakthrough win in 70.3 races in 4:18:13—good for sixth overall.

Edwards crossed the finish line 5 minutes and 52 seconds ahead of American Beth Gerdes (4:24:05) and over nine minutes in front of third placer Australian Dimity-Lee Duke (4:27:39).

Completing the top 10 in the event that served as a qualifier for the Ironman World Championship were Derek Cross (4:20:37), Cedric Lassonde (4:22:51) and Christoph Schlagbaur (4:23:25).

OTHER RESULTS: Local Men Elite—Banjo Norte 4:23:47, August Benedicto 4:27:12, Robinson Esteves 4:27:17; Local Women Elite—Monica Torres 4:53:46, Maria Hodges 5:04:23, Jenny Rose Guerrero 5:10:59