AUSSIE Sam Betten and Kiwi Amelia Watkinson shared the spotlight after winning the men’s and women’s pro titles in the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon in City of Naga, Cebu on Sunday, April 28.
The towering 6-foot-4 Betten lived up to his lofty billing as one of the top athletes in an Olympic-distance race after clocking 1 hour, 59 minutes and 32 seconds in the first 5150 race in Cebu.
Betten, a multiple standard distance champion, finished the 1.5-kilometer swim portion in 19:51 to hold a slim lead going to the first transition. Betten completed the 40K bike segment in 57:46 to break away from the pack and timed 38:39 in the run part to put the title in the bag.
“I pushed a little harder during the bike race to build a little gap because (Alexander) Polizzi was trailing close behind,” said Betten, adding that the crowd support infused energy to them. “It was a great race. The swim was beautiful and also the bike course. On top of that is the great support from the crowd. That’s why I always keep coming back to the Philippines.”
Polizzi crossed the finish line at 2:03:55 for second place followed by fellow Aussies Mitch Robins and Daniel Brown in 2:05:34 and 2:27:12, respectively.
Amelia Watkinson of New Zealand registered a total time of 2:06:44 to snag the women’s crown over Anna Eberhardt of Hungary (2:14:51) and Manami Iijima of Guam (2:16:16).
“It was a nice experience. It was hotter than I expected and it was a good reminder of the extra humidity around here. I think I like (the heat), but it’s definitely tough,” said the 27-year-old Kiwi.
Watkinson definitely bucked the summer heat with a strong start in the swim and bike parts, where she timed 20:49 and 1:02:18 before capping off the race with a 39:53 time in the run part.
The Asian elite competition, on the other hand, saw a duel between Cebu City Rider Omega Triathlon Team teammates Jorry Ycong and Banjo Norte.
Ycong of Negros Oriental eventually won in 2:12:15, more than one minute ahead of the Cagayan de Oro City’s native Norte.