Tim Reed (AUS) established quickly on the bike that he would be the one to beat on the day in the Philippines. The 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 world champion took it to the field on the bike and hit the dismount line with 2:40 lead on his closest rival. The Aussie had to hold off a late charge from behind by Xterra standout Mauricio Mendez (MEX) in the late stages of the run before grasping the finish line banner in victory.
The women's race was dominated by Amelia Watkinson (NZL) who was in a league of her own. The Kiwi nailed a race-best swim, bike and run to take the win by margin of well over six minutes.
Top 5 Pro Men
1 Reed, Tim AUS 3:54:07
2 Mendez, Mauricio MEX 3:56:45
3 Fisher, Ryan NZL 4:00:20
4 Van Berkel, Tim NZL 4:02:31
5 McMahon, Brent CAN 4:05:24
Top 5 Pro Women
1 Watkinson, Amelia AUS 4:29:17
2 Thistleton, Jacqueline AUS 4:35:53
3 Morris, Kerry AUS 4:39:11
4 Seidel, Kirra AUS 4:39:26
5 Aberhardt, Anna HUN 4:49:51