Portugal’s Avezedo, Australia’s Crowley reign supreme

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Portuguese pro triathlete Filipe Avezedo and Australia’s Sarah Crowley got more than what they wanted after conquering the 2023 Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao powered by Petron with great success amidst the sweltering heat of the sun here yesterday.

Avezedo, who turned pro just two years ago, bagged his fourth 70.3 title after maintaining an impressive performance from start to finish, clocking in the fastest time of three hours, 51 minutes, and 10 seconds to reign supreme in the men’s division.

Avezedo wasted no time from the moment Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte struck the gong that signaled the start of the 70.3-kilometer race. He got out of the water first in 26.36 mins and then maintained his lead after posting two hours and 18 seconds in the 90km bike stage before finishing off the 21km run in 1:20:39.

Avezedo said he was only after some points for the World Championships, but got more than what he wanted knowing when to pull away and when to relax.

 The Portuguese pro, who is based in Dubai for eight years now, said he was not expecting that the weather here would be way hotter than in Dubai, but the amazing support of the Pinoys propelled him to victory.

“It is very very hot here,” said Avezedo. “But the city, the crowd cheering for us from start to finish is something that I have not experienced before.This race is race like no other and I will recommend it to others.”

 Serbian Ognjen Stojanovic came out second at 3:52:29 while Chinese Taipei’s Tuan Chun Chang wound up third in 3:57:13.

 In the distaff side, Australia’s Sarah Crowley reigned supreme in 4:20:15.

“It’s my first race this year, still feeling a little rusty but I’m so happy to be able to win this race,” Cowley, who was third in the swim but managed to bounce back in the final two disciplines for the crown.

USA’s Lauren Brandon landed at second with 4:22:50 while Lottie Lucas of UAE came out third at 4:25:10.

Luxembourg’s Olivier Godart made his presence felt after topping the men’s 45-49 class and the overall standings in the age group with a time of 3:34:26 .

Great Britain’s Chris Weeks ruled the 30-34 class in 3:34:55, China’s Chen Li Dane in the 35-39 with a 3:45:19 clocking, Thailand’s Cantwell in the 40-44 class in 3:50:51, UAE’s Olivier Godart in the 45-49 with 3:34:26, Australia’s Mark Jansen in the 50-54 in 4:13:14, Guam’s Craig Weymouth in the 55-59 with 4:35:14,Japan’s Koji Muroya in the 60-64 with 4:46:20, Kiko Hashikawa in the 70-74 with 6:16:53 and Singapore’s Dale McAllister in the 65-69 with 6:08.23.

 In the women’s division, Great Britain’s Sophie Kirk, winner of the 18-24 age group, was the top overall performer with a time of 4:11:16.

Charlene Tang of Singapore topped the 25-29 in 4:29:01, Ann Gorbacheva of Russia in the 35-39 in 4:24:59, Poland’s A Najnigier-Pierzynowska in the 40-44 with 4:37:18, Canada’s Mireile Couture in the 45-49 in 4:53.20, Hong Kong’s Hayley Goldberg in the 50-54 class with 5:55:36, Japan’s Tomoki Dodo in the 65-69 ,and Great Britain’s Pamela Williams in the 70-74.

 Host Philippines was not left behind after sweeping the top three spots in men’s 25-29 category behind the efforts of Jailani Lamama, Abdul Rahman Toroganan and Mohammad Hanin Maruhom.

 Kenneth Bonda and Jacob Rodriguez, on the other hand, posted a 1-2 finish in the men’s 18 to 24 and Reagan Nabua second in the 35-39 class.

 In the women’s action, Jacquelyn Ann Cruz and Khimberly Paquibot took the second and third spots in the 25-29 age bracket while Rhia Stawicki and Leyann Ramo also had a 2-3 finish in the 30-34 as Ines Santiago and Amanda Carpo wound up second in the 40-44 and 45-49 age groups, respectively.

 Cebu’s Filipino Homes-Go4Less spiced up the country’s campaign after dominating the relay event with a time of 3:37:31.