Champs unsure of chances in Ironman

THE defending champions of the male professional and the Philippine elite divisions of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines are unsure of their chances in the Aug. 5 race in Shangri-la Mactian, as both are trying to recover.

Australian pro triathlete Pete Jacobs, the two-time male professional champion, could only hope to recover in time for the Ironman Philippines as he will be competing in an equally gruelling triathlon two weeks before the Philippine leg.

“I have no expectations for the Ironman 70.3 Philippines this year. I will be competing in Ironman Lake Placid two weeks before. So at this stage, I don’t know if I will have recovered by then,” said Jacobs in an e-mail sent to Sun.Star Cebu.

He added that he may feel really good, or may feel tired and sore.

“I’m really looking forward to being fitter than in the previous years so my preparations for Hawaii World Championship are better. But I might still be recovering from the Ironman Lake Placid,” Jacobs said.

On the other hand, Philippine elite male champ Arland Macasieb is trying to get back in shape after encountering an injury on his calf.

He injured the calf a week before the Tabuelan 111 triathlon race last month, which he won.

“I Injured my calf a week before the Tabuelan race. I actually wasn’t going to run but since I had a good lead after the bike segment, I opted to try it. The injury is better now and I’m getting back in shape,” Macasieb said.

This year’s race attracted 1,700 participants competing in all divisions.