Alindogan steals show from Alon-alon, Jopson

Veteran long distance triathlete Alvin Alindogan stole the thunder from the fancied pair of former national champions Abet Alon-alon and Nonoy Jopson when he posted a come from behind victory in the first-time ever Philippine Ironman triathlon in Batangas recently.

Running a calculated race all throughout the 3.8K swim - 180K bike-42K run event sponsored by David’s Salon, Northwest Airlines, and Smart Simply Amazing, the Laguna native allowed Michael Mariano to take the lead in the bike and simply trailed the trio of Mariano, Alon-alon, and Jopson until the final marathon leg where he made his move. He slowly crept on the leaders, passing them one by one en route to a solo victory in 10:55.23.

"Nung natapos sa bike leg at dalawang kilometro lang ang agwat nila, sabi ko kaya ko na itong habulin sa run, pacing lang ako, si Mariano kasi tinira na ng tinira sa bike, pang Tour yung pacing niya," related Alindogan, a grandfather already and a Japan Strongman triathlon finisher twice in the past.

For his part, Jopson, 27, a former Asian junior champion, conceded to Alindogan. "I really prepared hard for this and I knew I has a chance to win but I take off my hat to Alvin, he was the better man today, but I am still happy that I finished my first Ironman here," said Jopson who suffered from two flat tires in the bike leg that affected his overall performance. He clocked 11:35.15.

Finishing third was Mariano, a gardener from Alabang whose plan to burn out his opponents in the punishing bike leg backfired, "nagkamali ako ng setting ng seat, masyadong mababa kaya nag ca-cramps ako, pinahahabol ko sana sila sa bike para maubos sila dahil mahina ako sa run," explained Mariano who has a time of 11:43.01.