Cebuanos raring to defend turf in Alaska Ironkids

Close to 400 aspiring triathletes are set to showcase their potentials in the final leg of the 2018 Alaska Ironkids scheduled early morning today at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

The Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group, last year’s most decorated squad, will be fielding in almost twice as many entries this time.

“We are fielding in 28 entries this time. Mas nidaghan pa gyud mi karon,” said coach Andoy Remolino.

More than the numbers, Remolino is sending quality bets and those who have not trained hard enough were not included even if they were medallists in the 2017 edition.

“We’ve been doing a year-long training for this, so we are really hoping for good results,” said Remolino.

Leading the cast not only for the Go-For-Gold/TLTG team but also for the hundreds of participants is Cebuana Moira Erediano.

Erediano is the top young triathlete to watch today. She is expected to post back-to-back victories in the Ironkids after ruling the 13-14 class in Davao three months ago.

Last year, Erediano was among the top performers of the Cebu leg having won the girls 11-12 class. Interestingly, Erediano’s toughest rival is her townmate Marielle Estreba.

Another Cebuano in Al Dustin Bersabal of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu is also eyeing for back-to-back titles in the 6-8 age group.

Al Dustin’s sister Dexia and cousin Zurielle Galo are also expected to show up well in their respective classes.

Several other clubs in Cebu are also seeing action but the Cebu Blue Marlins may also steal the show.

The young Cebuanos, of course, will not only be competing against each other but also against other fast-rising triathletes all over the country.

The Alaska Ironkids started a year after the first half Ironman action in the country with only 64 entries.

Through the years, more kids are getting interested in the sport, braving the open water swim and bike and run on the road on their own may it be at short play to the most competitive side of it.

Aside from contributing on the young kids’ well-being, this event has also contributed to building in national team players. —