Noy Jopson leads PH Cobra Ironman bid next month

MANILA– Noy Jopson will be at the forefront of the Filipino challenge in the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines next month at the Camsur Watersports Complex in Camarines Sur.

Bent on reclaiming the Filipino elite crown, the 36-year-old Jopson is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation for the lung-busting event on Aug. 14.

“I’ve been training 20 hours a week,” said Jopson, who lost his title to Neil Catiil last year.

This year’s Cobra Ironman race will offer 30 slots for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, in October.

It won’t be easy for Filipinos, though, as defending men’s champion Pete Jacobs of Australia will be back for another crack at the crown along with a slew of foreign standouts including Ironman 70.3 Korea champion Cameron Brown, Justin Granger, Dan Brown, Luke Gillmer and Luke McKenzie.

Seeing action in the women’s division are defending champion Magali Tisseyre of Canada, Belinda Granger and Amanda Stevens.

Jopson is hoping more Filipinos would make the world championship and has launched the Cobra Ironman Youtube Campaign, a series of workout videos designed to improve and keep athletes in top shape.

Cobra brand manager Jay Mendoza has made Jopson and Catiil brand ambassadors.

“This is a rare opportunity for us to compete in the world championships and we’re helping these guys achieve that,” said Mendoza.

Jopson will also see action in races in Matabungkay and Cebu as part of his preparation for the Cobra Ironman, which has lured 1,100 participants from 28 countries.