SUBIC — Ruedi Wild ran like a mad man in the final 10 kilometers to top the Century Tuna Iron Man 70.3 title on Sunday.
Racing for the first time in the Philippines, the Swiss former Olympian completed the race in three hours, 48 minutes and 24 seconds, dethroning defending champion Craig "Crowie" Alexander who finished second in 3:48:57.
It was a huge comeback from Wild, who was one minute and 40 seconds behind after the bike phase.
Together with fellow Swiss Sven Riederer, they blew past early leader Jake Montgomery to set up a showdown with Aussies Alexander and Tim Reed, champions of the final two editions, in the final 21 kilometers.
In the end, it was the 34-year-old Wild who emerged victorious, fending off the multi-titled 43-year-old Alexander in the 1800-meter swim, 90-kilometer bike and 21.2-k run.
"It took me a little while to get ready for the run and they started really fast after the first two kilometers, but I knew it's not about the first 2k, it's about the second part of the run," said Wild.
"I'm not known as a fast starter so I was quite confident that I knew I can make an equal run. It took me about the turn around where we caught him, at the end I attacked and I kept pushing without looking back and stayed strong as possible. Luckily I was able to keep pace and take the victory in a very strong field," he added.
Reed settled for third place in 3:50:17, Reiderer finished fourth in 3:52:55 as Kevin Collington completed the top five with a time of 3:52:13.
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