Philippines Ironman 70.3 Champion
A triathlon journalist friend asked for a short answer to “what winning this race means to me?” Here’s my answer.
To add to that, it also shows a change in me. My first 70.3 title, my most comfortable race (mentally and physically), my stronger focus and motivation in training towards Hawaii than previous years.
Coming back to the Philippines was something I had to do. The Polo Tri club in Manila are so welcoming and accomodating that is like a trip to visit friends, as much as for a race. It also feels like a holiday in nice little wooden tiki huts, no tv, vey basic but really a great chance to read, catch up with peers and friends, and after the race, go wake boarding in the cable park lake we raced in earlier today!
Above all else is the community, which has little, but has an incredible enthusiasm to be involved. The school kids line the streets and have organised dances and cheers for when we ride past, and they are non stop. It is an incredible experience to see so many happy faces, and see how they light up even more when you smile and wave on the bike, or high 5 them on the run. It’s the same for the big kids too. Everyone competing and spectating here is so friendly, it is just a very enjoyable and rewarding weekend.
Thanks so much to Fred, the president of Alaska Milk, who has done so much and put his heart and soul (and wallet) into growing triathlon in his country for no personal gain, but just because he loves the sport and the Philippines and wants to make a difference. This was also shown in the addition of the Alaska Ironkids event this year. Many competed in their first ever triathlon this weekend!
Of course I couldn’t be as focused and motivated without my sponsors – Team Abu Dhabi – and all the sponsors of our team – Abu Dhabi, Storck, Suunto, Adidas, Oakley, Aquasphere, Powerbar, Xentis, Shimano, Continental, SRM, and Paul Lange & Co Bikeshop. Everyone of the above products played a vital role in my race, and I am very happy I have the best in the business .
Thanks everyone for all the messages of congratulations and support.
Will get to a race report soon. Have to shoot to awards now.
cheers
Pete
Hey Pete! We are all thrilled with your win here in CamSur. Congratulations! You are a gracious champ! We wish you luck in Kona!
Well done PJ. It certainly seems like you’ve got your training sorted. Roll on October!!
John & Ann
And Polotri loves you too! Looking forward to hearing about an even better performance in Kona than last year, which was pretty impressive as it is.
Good on ya PJ.
Keep it up going into Kona and the sky is the limit mate.
Cheers
Kevin & family.
Way to go!
Good luck in your prep. for Kona!
Cheers!
Vesa
congratulations! but i believe you have a guidance of the Almighty God that you conquered this race….So don’t forget HIM at KONA….
congratulations! but i believe you have a guidance of the Almighty God that you conquered this race….So don’t forget HIM at KONA….
[...] fast while most of the other top athletes look like the heat was a debilitating factor in the run. (Click here to see Pete’s blog about the race [...]