Former champs eye age group titles in Mactan

SIX former champions, among them two full Ironman winners, are shifting their focus on the age group competition in the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-lapu set this Sunday in Mactan.

The Czech Republic’s Petr Lukosz and the Netherlands’ Eric van der Linden will still be aiming for the overall championship in the men’s division of the challenging 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run race but might opt to concentrate on their respective age brackets given the high level of competition expected in the main event.

Lukosz, who triumphed under tough conditions to claim the full Ironman title in Subic in 2022, leads the field in the 40-44 age category, while Van Linde, who succeeded Lukosz the following year, competes in the 50-54 age division.

Local standout John Alcala, who emerged victories in the international Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa in 2022 and dominated the IM 70.3 Subic last year, headlines the men’s 30-34 age class in the event presented by Megaworld and The Mactan Newtown.

In the women’s category, Leyann Ramos, the overall champion in last year’s IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa, is a notable contender in the 30-34 age group, while Ines Santiago, who shared top honors with Alcala in Subic, leads the 40-44 age class in the top endurance race organized by e Ironman Group.

Ramo and Santiago face tough competition in their quest for titles with to be challenged by the likes of Malgorzata Nowak, Almira Lopez, Christy So, Christy Leung, Rhia Stawicki, Fatima Casimiropineda, Katrina Arellano, Christi Chan, Aiprel Patalinjug, Alexandra Bolzonello of Australia and former golf champion Mia Piccio.

Santiago, on the other hand, gears up for a fierce battle with Sarah Pelayo, Sarah Eraña, Pearl Madrigal, Rhea Siangko, Wanlun Tsai, Fumi Watanabe, Thuha Tran, Sheila Co and Maryfel Aumentado, among others.