SUBIC – Sam Betten put his title on the line against a horde of worthy foreign and local challengers as the Regent 5150 Triathlon fires off today inside the Subic Freeport Zone here.
Speaking before local media, the 28-year-old Betten admitted he’s expecting rough sailing against the crack field out to dislodge him and snap his reign as undisputed triathlon king.
“It’s going to be tough because of the quality of competition. But I am physically and mentally prepared to face all the challenges coming my way,” said Betten after gracing the awards rites of the Alaska Ironkids Aquathlon yesterday.
“I came here in top condition. I religiously trained hard back home because my mission is to keep my title. I will work hard and utilize all my resources from my arsenal to win,” said Betten, who won four of seven races he competed in before coming over here to defend his crown.
Tipped to foil Betten’s bid are fellow Aussies Mitch Robins and Dan Brown and Slovak Mical Bucek.
“We’ll see what happens tomorrow (today),” said Robbins.
Aussie Dimity-Lee Duke, the runner-up in 2015, heads the three-cornered fight in the women’s side of event produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with Regent Foods, the country’s leading snack manufacturing company.