Star triathlete Nick Baldwin bracing for blistering heat for Subic Ironman 70.3

Star triathlete Nick Baldwin during the press conference for 2019 Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

SUBIC, Zambales—The stinging heat in the Philippines isn’t just messing with the locals, it’s also affecting peak athletes who are used to performing at the mercy of the weather.

Nick Baldwin, the winner of the 2018 full Ironman face, said the blistering temperatures in Subic Bay could play a major factor in the Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay Sunday morning.

Temperatures reached upward of 30 degrees for the past two days in the coastal city and the same could be expected for race day.

“The condition looks like it’ll be hot all day this year, last year we had a storm that came through that cooled us off so we stood it a little bit,” said Baldwin during the race’s press conference Saturday at Boardwalk Tent.

“I think it’s going to be hotter this year than when it was last year, it’s possible it’ll be hotter and more difficult than last year.”

Baldwin added that even though he won the inaugural full Ironman in the Philippines, there are still competitors in the field that should be considered favorites.

He singled out Tim Reed, winners of Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Champion, (2015 and 2016), 2019 Ironman 70.3 Port Mac and 2018 Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast.

“All the guys present their own strength but you got to look at Tim Reed, a former World Champion in this distance,” said Baldwin, who’s the first person from Seychelles to win the full Ironman. “Amongst the other guys, he’s the one we’ll keep an eye out.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m the favorite, certainly there are other athletes who are far more accomplished, but I’ve got good memories from Subic. Subic is good to me last year and hopefully, it’ll be good to me this year.”