Aussie, Swiss top Yellow Cab Challenge

BUCKING illness, Australian Brad Kahlefeldt survived what he thinks as his most challenging race yet to capture the men’s pro championship in the inaugural Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines yesterday in Camarines Sur.

Kahlefeldt conquered the 1.9K swim-90K bike-21K run with a time of three hours, 56 minutes and 33 seconds to edge his closest pursuer Mike Phillips of New Zealand (3:57:35).

“I’m a little bit sick for a couple of days, but I felt pretty good today,” said Kahlefeldt. “It was so hard and it was a true test. I think it’s one of the hardest races I’ve done in my 20 years as a professional athlete.”

Swiss Simone Braendli bagged the women’s pro title with a 4:17:42 clocking, while Filipino Augusto Benedicto copped the gold in the Southeast Asian Elite category with a time of 4:33:27.

Braendli, who won over Czech Radka Vodikova (4:30:41) and Australian Jessica Fleming (4:32:57), said the festive atmosphere kept her going.

“There were bands, cheerleading, and just kids shouting something, it was just really motivating,” said  Braendli.

“It is family spirit.  It’s kinda easy going but still competitive. Of course, it’s also like that in other races but it feels a little bit more family here,” she added.

Vodikova said she slowed down in the final 10 kilometers.

“It was so hard and so hot, I just kept moving and I didn’t know what I’m doing, really,” said Vodikova,  who recently got engaged to Kahlefeldt. “But the people were unbelievable.  There were kids everywhere.”

Australian Mitchell Kibby (4:13:25) finished third in the competitive men’s pro division, followed by compatriots 2014 Challenge Philippines champion Matt Burton (4:31:17) and Mitch Robins (4:46:11)

In the women’s pro, Australian Renee Baker (4:36:16) and local bet Monica Torres (4:50:25) rounded out the top five.  Jasmine W. Payo