But Mendoza had to survive a sluggish start in the 10km run before making a big and deciding move in the 40km bike to set the pace until the final 5km run and snare his first ever crown in the event with a time of one hour and 55.47 minutes.

Aside from the poor start, Mendoza had also to fight off cramps on his legs, but his knowledge of the course spelled the difference.

"Hindi ako sigurado sa umpisa kung makukuha ko ‘yung title kasi pinagtutulungan ako ng mga foreigners, pero n’ung pagsampa ko sa bike, alam kong akin na ‘yung titulo," said the 29-year-old Mendoza.

Trailing by 57 seconds in the first leg, the Guagua, Pampanga native slowly caught up with early leaders Raphael Baugh of Australia and Takashi Nakata of Japan in the final bike loop.

"Ayokong mapahiya sa mga sumusuporta sa akin kaya nagpursigi ako kahit nagka-cramps na ako. Inisip ko lang na gusto ko rin makabawi sa mga Hapon dahil hindi ko nakuha ‘yung title noong 2002," said Mendoza, recounting his second-place finish in the same event behind Japanese Kodo Hiramatsu four years ago.

"Advantage ko na siguro ‘yung pagiging kabisado ko sa mga kurba kaya naungusan ko sila. Gusto kong makabawi at makuha na ‘yung titulo ngayon," he added.

Baugh settled for second with one hour and 3.41 minutes, but being a non-Asian and considered as a guest entry, the runner-up honor was given to Hiramatsu.

"He [Mendoza] is really tough. I consider him as one of the strongest contenders I’ve faced with," the 27-year-old Australian said.

Hiramatsu clocked one hour and 57.45 minutes even as compatriot Nakata timed one hour and 58.24 minutes.

Mimi Lucas reigned supreme in the distaff side which failed to attract foreign participants. The 16-year-old Lucas posted two hours and 33.37 minutes. Lea Colin Langit finished second (2:36.38) while Rizzo Tangan wound up third.