Schoeman secures second crown, Australians complete clean sweep

MANILA, Philippines — South African Henri  Schoeman defied rough seas, a borrowed bike, and strong winds to storm to his second Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu crown, while Natalie Van Coevorden braved gusts that nearly blew her off the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) bridge to lead a complete sweep by the Australians in the women’s pro division of the grueling race at The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday.

Schoeman’s familiarity with the Mactan Island course and the iconic CCLEX, where he first dominated in 2024, proved decisive, enabling the 34-year-old to pace himself smartly through the swim, bike, and run before timing his final push perfectly at the finish line.

Schoeman clocked 4:08:53, ahead of Austrian Sebastian Fuchs (4:12:52) and New Zealand’s Ben Hamilton (4:14:35). Last year’s pro champion Josh Ferris did not join this time.

“This race is very tough. You never know you’re winning until you cross the line,” the Schoeman said, praising the “electrifying” support from locals.

He also revealed that his trusted bike frame broke before the race, forcing him to rely on borrowed equipment.

Schoeman expressed gratitude to Kristianne Lim, one of Cebu’s decorated triathletes, for generously lending him a bike, saying the gesture made his victory possible.

On the women’s side, Van Coevorden collected her third 70.3 title of the year and her first in Lapu-Lapu, clocking 4:30:12. She banked heavily on her bike strength to carve out a decisive margin despite choppy waters and strong winds.

“I really enjoyed the course, even with the wind. At one point I felt I was being blown toward the ocean on the bridge, but the cheering crowd made it a fantastic atmosphere,” she said.

Fellow Australians Charlotte McShane (4:47:34) and Paige Cranage (4:53:18) completed the sweep.

Japan’s Maeda Ryousuke emerged as the fastest age-grouper, finishing in 3:56:44 to top the men’s 30–34 division.

His shorter time compared to Schoeman was due to organizers shortening the swim for non-pros to 1 km, citing safety concerns amid strong winds.

Other Japanese winners included Kazuhiro Oishi (men’s 25–29, 4:03:40), Ryosuke Ohata (40–44, 4:13:00), and Yoshishisa Takase (65–69, 5:36:41), and Toshikazu Kobayashi in the 70-74 class in 6:41:.22.

Filipino elite Irienold Reig Jr. continued his winning streak, claiming the local crown in 4:23:04 after also ruling the Davao Ironman 70.3 earlier this year. He topped the men’s 18–24 division and was the first Filipino to cross the finish line.

Other age-group champions included Hong Kong’s Ho Tin Kwok (30–39, 4:34:41), Australia’s Assad Attamimi (50–54, 4:19:16), France’s Mamix Beugel (55–59, 4:40:14), and David Boyes (60–66, 5:33:21).

Among the women, Ellaiza Nicole Rojo stood out as the fastest age-grouper, clocking 5:15:28 to win the 18–24 division.

Bea Marie Quiambao topped the 25–29 class, edging social media personality Aira Lopez. Other division winners included Casey Logan (30–34), Eva Wong (35–39), Yuko Takahashi (5:16:36), Ines Santiago (45–50), Masami Suzuki (50–54), Michelle Boyes (55–59), and Celma Hitalia (60–64).

In the Sunrise Sprint, John Michael Lalimos of Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group–Go for Gold emerged fastest overall in 1:12:42, edging Renz Wynn Corbin (1:13:03).

Lalimos also ruled the men’s 18–24 division, while Corbin topped the 25–29. Anisha Caluya dominated the women’s sprint in 1:21:32, also winning the 18–24 bracket.