Stawicki, Tayag qualify in Ironman 70.3 New Zealand

CLARK FREEPORT — The Philippines’ top age grouper triathlete Rhia Stawicki and his coach, Abe “Kap” Tayag are going to the Ironman 70.3 World Championships after their splendid performance at the recently held Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu in Mactan, Cebu.

Stawicki, a 30-year-old dentist mom of two, was not only the fastest Filipina in the field, but also bested other seasoned international triathletes to become the first overall female agegrouper finisher.

The Angeles City-based Stawicki finished with a time of 5 hours 3 minutes and 52 seconds, winning in the process the 30- 34 age group category.

Tayag placed fifth in the competitive 50-54 age group and was the fastest Filipino in the category. He finished with a time of 5:28:10.

With their performance, Stawicki and Tayag qualified for the 2024 Ironman 70.3.

The world championships event will take place in the breathtaking lakefront setting of Taupo, New Zealand from December 14 to 15, 2024.

70.3 is a triathlon race brand owned by Ironman and consists of 1.9km swim, 90km bike and a finishing 21.1km run. 70.3 is the total distance in miles.

Their journey to the Ironman 70.3 Championships is a testament to months and months of rigorous training, unwavering commitment, and sheer passion for the sport.

Tayag and Stawicki are* part of the prestigious TriClark-Volvo Triathlon team, of which the former is one of the founding members of the team.

TriClark is now on its 20th year, having been established as a team in 2005.

“I would like to thank, first, God for keeping me safe out on the course. My wife Connie, who has been genuinely supportive of my endeavors, my family who I share my passion with the sport I love, and the team and sponsors who got my back in my races and training,” said Tayag.

“I am deliriously happy with my performance, and the race plan we formulated with coach Abe all came exactly into place. The swim was a little choppy, and the bike was windy and tough. The ride sessions in New Clark City tremendously helped, including the heat acclimatization. Salamat sa lahat ng family, friends and teammates who supported and cheered me on course, said

Stawicki.

“We are indeed spoiled with our training playground here in Clark and New Clark City, and that is why we are proud to represent Clark in all our races. Lesser vehicles, bike and run lanes, and a more refreshing atmosphere for us athletes,” said Tayag, who also works as the athlete services director for GoClark Sports

and Events, one of the primary movers of sports tourism in Clark.

Clark, Pampanga and the entire nation rallies behind Stawicki, Tayag, and the rest of the Philippine contingent as they strive for greatness while carrying the banner of Philippines in Taupo.

Their participation in the Ironman 70.3 Championships serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for athletes everywhere, reminding us that with hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is possible.