Mauricio Mendez, Radka Kahlefeldt dominate Ironman 70.3 in Davao City

The winners of the 2018 Ironman 70.3 – all in Pros division – pose together after the finishing the triathlon challenged in Davao City on Sunday, March 25, 2018. From left: third placer Tim Van Berkel of Australia, Alveo Ironman 2018 champion Mauricio Mendez of Mexico, and second placer Tim Reed of Australia. (Photo by ARJOY M. CENIZA / Inquirer Mindanao)

DAVAO CITY — Xterra 2016 world champion Mauricio Mendez of Mexico topped on Sunday the men’s category of the Ironman 70.3 Davao City, finishing the triathlon in 03:50:30.

Australia’s Tim Reed, who eyed and expressed confidence about clinching the top post the day before, came in second at 03:52:25.

Czech Radka Kahlefeldt – the 2010 No. 1 female triathlete based on ranking released by the European Triathlete Union (ETU) and a member of the Czech National Team – won the Ironman 70.3 women’s category.

Kahlefeldt clocked in 4:25:38 while Japan’s Naomi Washizu came in 11 minutes behind at 04:36:54.

The race, which started here in Davao City and went to Tagum and back – was participated in by about 1,800 racers from 39 countries, including the Philippines.

No Filipino made it to the top five in either of the two categories though. /atm