Favorites ready for Alveo race

Moira Erediano rules the 13-14 age-group category. —SHERWIN VARDELEON

DAVAO CITY—Anna Eberhardt doesn’t mind being the top favorite in women’s Elite Pro division of the Alveo IronMan 70.3 that fires off this Sunday here.

“It’s actually nice to be ranked No. 1,” said the 35-year-old Hungarian who now lives with her husband Ralf in Singapore.

Eberhardt, who last year won IronMan 70.3 in Vietnam and placed fifth in the Philippine edition held in Cebu, said she’s already used to the heat and humidity after living in Southeast Asia for about 18 months.

“It’s [a] very  special [place]. I’m Hungarian and I used to live in Switzerland, racing in Europe. So compared to Asia, especially the Philippines, it’s very different,” said Eberhardt, who expects to strike in the bike and run that will take place on mostly flat grounds in and around  Azuela Cove.

The men’s Elite Pro is a tossup among former champions that include a retired five-time world champion, a young turk and a three-time IronMan Philippines titlist.

Forty-four-year-old Craig Alexander, IronMan World Champion in 2008, 2009 and 2011, and 70.3 World Champion in 2006 and 2011, is making a comeback after a seven-month hiatus following a bike crash that left him with four broken ribs and collarbone.

“I’m just lucky to be back, but there’s a lot of good guys our there,” said Alexander.

He went on to name 22-year-old Mexican Mauricio Mendez, who became the youngest Xterra (trail triathlon) World Champion in 2016. That year he won IronMan 70.3 titles in Texas, Sweden, Denmark and Italy.

“I feel great, it’s amazing to be here and super excited about the race,” said Mendez. “But it’s a tough field, it’s going to be a tough race. But my goal is to win the title.’

Tim Reed has won the meet three years straight but said he’s still not in his peak.

“Even though mentally I am, physically I’m not as fit,” said the Australian, whose training typically starts in June.