Reed, Swiss top picks in Ironman tilt

The pros alongside the organizers of Century Tuna Ironman.

SUBIC—Australian sensation Tim Reed and Swiss star Caroline Steffen brace for tough conditions and even tougher rivals today as they headline the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 rolling off today in this former American Naval facility.

Reed, who ruled the inaugural staging of the race last year in three hours, 51 minutes and 59 seconds, expects a stiffer challenge from the likes of compatriot Tim Van Berkel and Craig Alexander, who is raring to compete here after he was sidelined by illness last year.

Steffen, a former Swiss national team standout, goes into the women’s race as the heavy favorite having won three Ironman races in the country since 2013.

Among those expected to give Steffen a stern challenge for the crown are American Bree Wee and Russian Rada Vodickova who has placed second in a couple of triathlon races in the country.

A total of 18 professional triathletes are vying in both the men and women’s divisions, while 11 more Filipino elite triathletes, including August Benedicto and Ani de Leon Brown, are part of the 805-man field that will go through a rolling start at 6 a.m.

Forty-four countries are represented in the race that starts with a 1.9-km swim at Acea Subic. The 21-km bike stage will take participants through the Subic Tarlac Expressway before returning to Subic Bay Convention Center for the 21-km run leg.

Focus will be on Reed, who feels he is in fine form heading into the race.