SUBIC – Swiss Ruedi Wild ran wild and made his world-class rivals eat dust.
After staying within striking position two-thirds of the way, the 34-year-old Wild shifted to high gear in the second half of the culminating 21K run and left Aussie world champions Craig Alexander and Tim Reed in his wake to crown himself the new men’s pro champion of the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay yesterday.
Wild covered the 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run course that started at Acea Beach and ended at Subic Exhibition and Convention Center in 3:48:24, beating 2016 winner and five-time world titlist Alexander (3:48:57) and reigning world titlist Reed (3:50:17) for the top plum in the event presented by Century Bangus, Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board.
“It took me a little while to get ready for the run, put the socks on and those guys (at the lead pack) were starting really fast in the first two kilometers. But I knew it wasn’t about the first two kilometers; it’s about the second half of the run,” said Wild, who admitted to being a slow starter.
Once he got warmed up, there was no stopping the two-time Olympian.
He caught up with pacesetting compatriot Sven Riederer at the 11-kilometer mark then charged ahead and seized a 10-second gap against Reed and Alexander entering the final four kilometers.
“When I broke away, I just kept pushing without looking back, tried to stay as strong as possible. I was 100 meters or so ahead and if I could keep the pace, I had a very good chance. I did that and now I celebrate a great victory here against a strong field,” said Wild, bronze medalist in the 2016 worlds.
It was a Cinderella finish for Wild in the event organized and produced by Sunrise Events, Inc.
“When I signed up, I thought it’s a good way to start the season and explore a new country. But when I saw the start list, I was surprised it’s like a world championship (caliber) race. But then I thought at least you get to gauge your shape after this race and I’m really happy to come away with a win in such a strong field,” he said.
Radka Kahlefeldt employed a similar strategy in dethroning Swiss Caroline Steffen in the distaff side. Kahlefeldt, who was runner-up to Steffen last year, submitted a winning 4:22:13, a good three-minute and 43 seconds ahead of Steffen. Dimity Lee-Duke was third at 4:41:57.
“Basically I know the run will decide (the winner). Last year, we swam and rode together but Caroline just disappeared in the run. This year, it was the opposite. I just ran and pushed all the way, knowing how strong Caroline is,” said Kahlefeldt, who pulled away and set a 25-second lead at the 7K mark..
August Benedicto and Jenny Guerrero shared the spotlight in the event with triumphs in the men’s Asian Elite (4:25:42) and Filipina Elite (5:14:23), respectively.
The event is also sponsored by 2Go Express (official courier and logistics partner), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (venue partner), Acea Subic Bay (host hotel), Manila North Tollways Corp. (bike course partner), Gatorade (official sports drink), Saucony (official footwear and apparel partner), and TYR (official swim cap partner).
Media partners are The Philippine STAR, Hyper HD on Cignal, TriLife, Asiatri.com, and Finisher Pix. It is also supported by Alaska, David’s Salon, GU Energy Gels, Intercare, Prudential Guarantee, Premier Waer and Sante Barley and backed by marketing sponsors AlcoPlus, Cetaphil, Dalong, Froehlich Tours, Inc., Sanicare and Storck.