Ironman 70.3 Philippines - Camarines Sur, Philippines One of the first true tests before the season aims squarely towards the Ironman World Championships was the Phillipines 70.3, which, according to its participants, was held in brutally hot and humid conditions. The heat and humidity were stifling according to Chris Mccormack, but the crowds, estimated at 90,000, were inspiring. The inaugural event was headlined by Ironman 70.3 World Champion Terenzo Bozzone and two-time World Champion Chris McCormack. Held between two mountain ranges, the course is dead flat. The swim was held in two man made lakes and the bike consisted of two out-and-back loops to Nato Port in Sagnay. The run was also an out-and-back course that sent the athletes through narrow rural village roads. Australian Pete Jacobs lead out of the swim in 24:45 followed by the lead group of McCormack, Bozzone, Brown and Marr, all just a few seconds back. The water was much to warm for anyone to really give it a serious effort. The entire pack basically came out of the water together, heading out onto the narrow roads for the 56 mile bike ride. "Early on the bike we were all together and it was hard to get away because of the small roads that were just stuffed with fans. The crowds were just absolutely incredible!", stated McCormack. At the half way point of the bike, Cameron Brown of New Zealand lead the group around the u-turn out at Nato Port before heading back into town. It was on the way home that McCormack and Bozzone were finally able to get away, creating a 60 second gap on the now trailing Brown, Marr and Jacobs. Early on the run, it was obvious the heat was holding court today McCormack made a push at the 15K mark and was able to increase his lead just a bit. Bozzone was the only one who was able to respond, going with him and overtaking him in the final kilometers. Both athletes will take likely part in at least one more tune-up before Kona on October 10, 2009. Ironman 70.3 Philippines - overall Men's results Top Five Men: 1) Terenzo Bozzone (SRAM RED) 3:51:25 2) Chris McCormack (SRAM RED) 3:52:18 3) Cameron Brown 3:52:31 This report was provided courtesy of Scott Fairchild, fairchild Management group