Well-loved bets gun for glory in Ironman 70.3 Cebu

Defending champion Mauricio Mendez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

CEBU CITY—A homegrown veteran looking for a breakthrough and a defending champion who has found a second home here will be under the spotlight when Regent Ironman 70.3 Philippines kicks off at Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa.

All eyes will be on crowd-favorite Mau Mendez, the 23-year old reigning titlist, while Augusto Benedicto looks for his best finish to cement his status as the country’s top triathlete.

“I’m confident that I can win the race; I’m really happy being here and I’m really grateful,” Mendez said. “This is just amazing because they (the supporters) really make me feel like I’m home.”

“Having that experience in literally another part of the world is just amazing so I’m just super happy and grateful,” the Mexican added.

Mendez is heavily favored to keep his crown, but that doesn’t stop Benedicto from dreaming big. He finished 21st in the men’s race in 2018 but has seen an upsurge in performance in his last two 70.3 triathlons.

File – Filipino triathlete Augusto Benedicto. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The 35-year-old former ice vendor was ninth in Davao in March and 10th in Subic in June.

“It’s a lot of pressure to be the country’s best male triathlete,” Benedicto said in Filipino, adding that the support of his family and sponsors like Alaska owner Fred Uytengsu has made it easier to deal with high expectations.

“It’s going to be a good race because the defending champion is here but as long as I feel well and I wake up in good condition [on Sunday] then I’ll have a chance,” Benedicto said.