Ghosh, former age-group wonder, makes pro debut

Multititled age-group campaigner Justin Ghosh takes a crack at the big boys of triathlon as he spearheads the roster of newcomers vying in the second Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships presented by Philam Vitality on Aug. 11 in Mactan, Cebu.

Course familiarity won’t pose much of a problem for the 24-year-old Aussie, who reigned supreme at Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa in back-to-back style from 2014 while campaigning in the 18-24 age division, making him one of the bets to watch in the men’s pro category of the 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run.

Also out to steal the show from the likes of veterans Tim Reed, a former three-time world champion from Down Under, and defending champion Mauricio Mendez from Mexico and Aussie veteran Sam Betten, are Lindsey Lawry, another emerging star from talent-rich Australia, and Blake Kappler.

The chase for the women’s pro diadem is also tipped to go down to the last burst in the closing part of the premier endurance race with Francesca Sanjana of Great Britain and Aussie Courtney Gilfillan setting out to upend last year’s winner Radka Kahlefeldt, and regular Philippine campaigners Swiss Caroline Steffen and Dimity Lee Duke of Australia.

Completing the men’s cast are Bahrain’s Eric Watson, Czech Jakub Langhammer, Aussies Tim Van Berkel, Luke McKenzie and Mitch Robins and New Zealand’s Terenzo Bozzone.

Boosting the women’s pro roster are Lauren Wood and Amanda Wilson of Australia and Hungary’s Anna Eberhardt.

The 20 pros make up the 2,190 entries from a record 57 nations bracing for another duel of power and stamina in the biggest assembly of elite triathletes.