METAFIT TO FIELD 16 ATHLETES IN IRONMAN

Metafit to field biggest team in five years of joining Ironman

The Metafit Triathlon Team goes full swing as it partnered with Air Spencer for its stint in the Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships on Aug.5 at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

This will be the fifth straight year that the team will be joining the 1.9-kilometer swim, 90K bike and 21K run race in Cebu. This year, the team will field 16 triathletes, the most number in five years.

“The goal is to compete, have fun and a podium finish is only a bonus. We want to finish before the cut-off time, while some of our athletes are going for their personal best,” said Metafit coach Alan Choachuy in a press conference yesterday at the Ramen Dojo in SM City Cebu.

Team captain Fritz Co said that they’re happy to partner with Air Spencer, an air-freshener brand in Japan. “Air Spencer is committed in helping local triathletes not just only in Ironman but also in local sports,” he said.

The other members of the MetaFit Triathlon Team are Zusette Co, Romulo Rosel, Fr. Covacho Clemement of France, Lemuel Co, Pimco Pimentel, Marc Demoral, Maui Recla and Bernard Palermo.

Also in the team are Jinggoy and Joy Bascug, PJ and Dona Canedo, Catherine Acuña, Cheryl Tagra, Jodette Romaguera, Sarah Lucero and Golda Cutanda.

The Metafit triathletes will compete in the age-group divisions and relay race, while the rest will join the 5K run in the IronGirl, a side event a day before the Ironman 70.3 Philippines.

“To prepare for this event, the members of the team joined a lot of local triathlon races,” said Fritz, who will be joining in the 40-45 age-group for his fourth half-Ironman race.

“Aside from regular workout, the athletes added loads on their weak discipline. We also did cross training and joined the Spartan Philippines Race and the Gorilla Boot Camp,” added Choachuy.

“I think the challenge for this year would be the bike because you will be passing on the bridge six times in the 3-loop course,” he said.

The Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships will draw more than 2,500 triathletes from different countries. /

SUNSTAR FOTO/ RUEL ROSELLO PERSONAL TARGETS. Most of the 16-member Metafit triathlon team will be aiming for new personal best in the Asia Pacific 70.3 Ironman Championships next week in Lapu-Lapu City.