THE coming IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu will not only commemorate its 10th anniversary with a dazzling return to Cebu on April 21 but also showcase a formidable assembly of global triathlon talents.
The top-level event promises an intense competition, featuring the return of Portugal’s Filipe Azevedo, who will be gunning for a second title after scoring a narrow victory in last year’s edition of the challenging 1.9k swim-90k-21k run distance event in Davao.
Azevedo, 31, is primed for an even more impressive showing, having refined his prowess in premier competitions over the past year.
Joining the elite roster is Chinese Taipei’s Tuan Chun Chang, who placed third in Davao, alongside a cadre of international contenders gearing up for a duel of strength, skill and staying power.
Athletes like Daniel Bakkegard from Denmark, South Africa’s Henri Schoeman, Thomas Bishop from England, American Ben Stern, and Michael Tong from New Zealand are poised to ignite the race with their quest for victory.
The presence of these triathletes ensures a fiercely competitive race from the swim through the bike and into the closing run stage under daunting conditions expected in Cebu.
The spotlight will also be on a strong Australian contingent led by Sam Osborne, Caleb Noble, Charlie Quin, Jarrod Osborne, Calvin Amos, Nick Carling and Nathan Dortmann, representing a country renowned for its triathlon excellence. Their participation underscores the global appeal and competitive depth of the event that has marked every triathlon staging in pre-pandemic times.
Local athletes are also gearing up for both the overall championship and age-group accolades across a spectrum of categories.