Cebu-based Jopson hopes to exploit turf advantage

A three-way battle is expected to unfurl for the Filipino elite title of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines today at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Gunning for the title are Cebu’s Noy Jopson, who captured the title in the inaugural race held in Camarines Sur in 2009, 2010 winner Neil Catiil of Cagayan de Oro and 2011 defending champion US-based Arland Macasieb.

Jopson is the Philippine record holder for both the full and half distances of the Ironman.

Jopson said one of his goals in this race is to stave five minutes of his time last year. He admits to being very competitive and is looking forward to racing side by side with the country’s best such as Catiil and Macasieb.

Macasieb, for his part, is hoping to retain the Filipino elite title. He said that in the fitness level that he is in, he is pretty confident of his chances today.

He said that this year, he is more relaxed and not as pressured as last year. The reason is that for this year, he did not compete in as many races as last year. Also, as a result of not having so many competitions this year, he has a different training and preparation for this year’s race.

He said Cebu may be Jopson’s hometurf but that it is also his because he comes here often.

But he admits Jopson is the strongest mentally.

Jopson may feel the pressure considering that he is based here but Macasieb does not believe that Jopson will crack under pressure.

Catiil, on the other hand, hopes to overcome a bike mechanical trouble that jeopardized his campaign last year.

So for this year, aside from preparing mentally and physically, he is also making sure that his bike is in good condition.

Despite the three’s vast experience in the competition, Macasieb is not discounting that another local may end as the surprise winner.

Among the locals to look out for are first-timer Mendel Lopez, former Philippine team member Gerrie Calinawan, former top junior swimmer Franz Baguio and multi-titled long distance runner John Philip Duenas.

In the distaff side, defending champion Monica Torres is also expected to retain her title.

Cebu also has its own weapon in its current top triathlete Rochelle Tan.

Others seeing action are Loveleinell Casidsid, Lea Coline Langit and Marion Kim Mangrobang.