Mendez topples Reed in Alveo IronMan 70.3

DAVAO CITY—Filipino triathlon fans have a new idol.

Mauricio Mendez received a big boost from the crowd that lined up the wide streets of this city to rule the Alveo IronMan 70.3 Sunday.

“There is people most of the way through the 90 kilometers of bike and 21 kilometers of run,” said the 23-year-old Mexican, who ended the three-year reign of Australian Tim Reed in the Elite Pro division. “In every single meter there was someone cheering for you. You really have to go out there and die in the finish line.”

Mendez certainly gave it all as he limped crossing the crowded finish line and headed straight to the ice-filled pool to cool down, before getting a massage.

“I look forward to coming back here,” added Mendez, who overtook Reed for good in the 13-kilometer mark of the run phase which is his strongest suit.

Mendez finished the race, including the 1.9K swim around Azuela Cove, in three hours, 50 minutes and 32 seconds. He had previously won four 70.3 races and four Xterra off championships.

“It’s difficult because when I went past him (Reed) I never looked back. I don’t want to look back. Didn’t wanna know,” said Mendez, who beat the 33-year-old Reed by one minute and 52 seconds.

Tim Van Berkel of Australia wound up third (3:53:45) while five-time world champion Craig Alexander placed fourth (3:56:24).

Czech Republic’s Radka Kahlefeldt, who gave birth to daughter Ruby just 10 weeks ago, ruled the women’s Elite Pro, finishing in 4:25:38. Naomi Washizu of Japan was second (4:36:53) and Dimity Lee Duke of Australia third (4:39:12).

In the Filipino Elite category, Jorry Ycong prevailed after finishing in 4:24:15, besting August Benedicto (4:25:02) and Banjo Norte (4:25:07). Leanne Szeto dominated the women’s Filipino Elite with a time of 4:52:14.