CEBU, Philippines - Many-time Ironman campaigner Dan Brown has volunteered to help multi-titled Cebuano runner turned triathlete Mendel Lopez in his training especially for the upcoming Ironman Philippines slated on August 5 at the Shangri-La Resort and Spa in Mactan Island.
Lopez had a very promising performance during the Tabuelan 111 Triathlon two weeks ago and it wasn't left unnoticed by Brown and Philippine Team member Arland Macasieb among others.
Lopez crossed the finish line first only to be disqualified by the organizers due to technicalities. Lopez, accordingly, missed a loop during the bike portion of the three-in-one race.
“I wasn't expecting that I would do well in Tabuelan actually. It was also the reason why I was just going easy and didn’t attend the race briefing. I learned my lessons well and I want to focus now on my preparations for the Ironman,” said Lopez.
Brown, who already gave Lopez a training program which he started doing yesterday, will be in Cebu a few weeks before the highly-anticipated Ironman to put up the final phase of his training along with Lopez and other Cebuanos under Team Fish18 and Vellum.
Lopez, whose Ironman campaign is supported by Caltex and Rudy Project, is entered under the Filipino elite category.